Wolverhampton preview: All set for a Swashbuckling success
Published:
David Metcalf | October 20, 2015
Swashbuckling has shaped with bags of promise in two starts to date and holds outstanding claims of opening his account in the 1m 1f maiden which gets proceedings underway on this evening’s card at Wolverhampton (17.40).
The Michael Wigham trained gelding caught the eye in no uncertain fashion on debut when third of 10 to Persun over 1m at Newmarket, staying on strongly from off the pace under tender handling to be nearest at the finish and beaten just 1 1/2 lengths.
Swashbuckling backed that up with a solid second to Prendergast Hill at Epsom, where after being given plenty to do he finished with a rattle from the two marker to go down by a diminishing 1 1/4 lengths.
It was an effort which suggested Swashbuckling was a winner waiting to happen, and both the races he has run in so far have thrown-up plenty of subsequent winners.
The son of Raven’s Pass clearly has lots of ability, and now gets the services of James Doyle in the saddle for the first time.
With the prospect of even better to come, this looks a glorious opportunity to Swashbuckling to get off the mark.
In the 1m handicap (21.10), Atreus can bag a belated first success now fitted with the cheekpieces for the first time.
Trained by the shrewd Mick Easterby, the gelding is yet to get his head in front in 19 starts but has run well to be placed on seven occasions and often shaped better than the bare result.
Atreus posted a solid effort back in May when beating just a head at Musselburgh off a mark of 59, and was also far from disgraced next time up at Hamilton when fifth of 13 off 64.
The three-year-old is now able to race off a career-low of 55, and comes into the contest on the back of a solid sixth of 12 over 7f at the venue.
It gives Atreus a big shout at the weights in what is a weak class 6 affair, especially if the new heagear has the desired effect.
The son of Indestachal also now gets the professional services of Graham Gibbons in the saddle having being partnered by apprentices in recent outings, and everything points to a huge run.
Selections:
17.40: Swashbuckling (NAP)
18.10: Ciao Cielo
18.40: Spanish Boy
19.10: Hide Your Fires
19.40: Estidraak
20.10: Archaic
20.40: Evacusafe Lady
21.10: Atreus (NB)
