Wolverhampton preview: It’s time to get Rich Again
Published:David Metcalf | January 15, 2016
Rich Again looks decent value to cash-in on a drop in the weights to land the 6f handicap on today’s twilight card at Wolverhampton for a second year running (16.45).
James Bethell trained gelding Rich Again is a five-time winner at this venue, and three of those successes having come over this afternoon’s trip.
Rich Again struck form at this time last year when rattling up a four-timer at the track, winning this race off a mark of of 75 before following up in good style off 80.
The seven-year-old has since run well to be placed off marks as high as 84, and and is now able to race off a reduced rating of just 73.
That is 7lb lower than when last successful and gives Rich Again major claims at the weights.
The son of Amadeus Wolf also comes into the contest having shaped better than the bare result suggests in his last three starts, and particularly caught the eye in the last of those when missing the break before running on strongly from a hopeless position to be nearest at the finish and a 3 1/2 length fifth of 11 to Seve over 5f at this venue.
Rich Again appears to be coming to the boil nicely judged on that effort, and the step back up to 6f is sure to suit.
Punters should go round Archipeligo
In the 1m 4f handicap (17.45), Archipeligo looks to have plenty in his favour.
The Iain Jardine trained gelding has won two of his six starts at the venue, and and in the last of those successes 12 months ago landed this contest off a mark of 71.
Archipeligo is now able to race off the same rating, and comes into the race on the back of a good second over hurdles at Musselburgh.
That represented a return to form after a couple of below par efforts and, having been partnered by inexperienced 7lb claimer Kyle Currie in seven of his last eight starts on the level, the five-year-old now gets the professional services of Martin Dwyer in the saddle.
That suggests connections mean business, and Archipeligo looks to have been primed to make a bold defence of his crown.
Selections
16.15: Divine Call
16.45: Rich Again (NAP)
17.15: Flying Power
17.45: Archipeligo (NB)
18.15: National Service
18.45: Dwight D