Wolverhampton preview: Hold Firm has rock solid claims
Published:
Hold Firm ran really well when runner-up last time out, and looks to have outstanding claims of going one better in the 1m 1f handicap on today’s card at Wolverhampton (17.45).
The Mark Tompkins trained gelding has been a model of consistency this year, winning in game fashion over course and distance back in February and making the frame in five subsequent starts.
In the last of those, again over course and distance, Hold Firm stuck to the task well to finish a 1 1/2 length second of 13 to What Usian.
It was an effort which showed that the three-year-old remained at the top of his game and, although now 2lb higher in the weights, this is an extremely weak class 6 contests that lacks any real strength in depth.
There are also question marks over the majority of Hold Firm’s rivals and, with Jimmy Quinn in the saddle, it looks a glorious opportunity for the son of Refuse To Bend to get back into the winners’ enclosure.
Trainer Roger Charlton has his team in terrific shape, and Mountain Rescue can provide the Beckhampton handler with another success in the 1m 4f feature handicap (16.45).
The gelding is a promising sort and caught the eye in no uncertain terms last time out when fifth of 15 to King Bolette in a competitive class 4 contest at Newbury.
Although beaten 7 3/4 lengths, Mountain Rescue ran far better than that indicates as he got badly hampered a furlong from home before keeping on again under tender handling.
The three-year-old finished with plenty of petrol left in the tank, and it was an effort which suggested Mountain Rescue should have little difficulty winning races off his current mark of 79.
In the 6f handicap that opens proceedings (14.15), Wisewit looks decent each-way value.
The James Toller trained gelding disappointed last time out, but had previously shaped with promise over course and distance when sixth of 12 to Houdini.
The three-year-old came from well off the pace and ran wide entering the straight before staying on well to be beaten 3 3/4 lengths off a mark of 65, and finished in front of Kodiac Lady and Little who he now meets on slightly better terms.
If forgiven his last run, that effort makes Wisewit a big player at the weights now that he is able to race off 5lb lower.
Selections:
14.15: Wisewit
14.45: Koptoon
15.15: Majdool
15.45: Tarooq
16.15: Who Dares Wins
16.45: Mountain Rescue (NB)
17.15: Oriental Dream
17.45: Hold Firm (NAP)
