Livelovelaugh, advised e/w at 40/1 yesterday, placed third of 22 runners at 28/1. Danny Mullins gave the 11yo a great ride, sitting him just off the pace and keeping out of trouble. Off You Go and Minella Times just bettered the Willie Mullins trained horse at the close.
Today's Race
A not overly competitive apprentice handicap at Wolverhampton over 7 furlongs. Those drawn high are at a disadvantage.
The Contenders
London wears a first time visor, is drawn in stall 1, went very close over 1 mile at Lingfield last week and remains on the same mark while dropping back to his favoured 7f trip. Callum Hutchinson accompanies him. Eight years old son of Galileo, smart in his younger years and a 3 time winner on the all-weather, he has a lot in his favour here.
5 wins from 38 on the all-weather, The Kings Steed has previously excelled at Wolverhampton over 7f. Drawn in stall 7 which is ok. George Bass is a good jockey in the context of this apprentice handicap. The horse by Equiano out of a King's Best mare enjoys a little break from racing. Won on the turf at Salisbury last season before some more modest efforts ridden by Elisha Whittington. 1lb below his last winning mark he looks great value in this race and a potential each-way play. Current trainer form is a little worrying.
Everkyllachy is a definite consider also. A good trainer. The 7yo mare should run well here, previous visits to the course reading 122. Firsteen has possibilities too. Recent efforts are uninspiring and the inexperienced apprentice has a weak record. Gonzaga (0 from 11) may find this a little above his station.
Rockesbury put in a decent effort over CD last time but stall 11 makes it tough. Back at 7f Mostallim can score soon off a mark of 51. Frederick Larson is a good claimer to have up. Stall 10 isn't ideal but the market support (currently favourite) is understandable.
Eastern Star should have claims off a mark of 48 and back up in trip but 0 from 17 is a worrying tally. Shackabooah hasn't shown much yet but is unexposed. Mercury is pretty intriguing but did run very badly last week.
The Selection
Mostallim and Everkyllachy are considered. I am tempted by The Kings Steed whose most recent form hides his ability over course and distance. London, however, will be the selection. Application of a first-time visor in tandem with his stall 1 draw make him for me the one they have to beat.
Today's Tip
(To Win) LONDON (6/1 Betfair, 11/2 General)
Recent Results
7 Feb: 4.10 Leopardstown Livelovelaugh (E/W) 3rd/22 @ 28/1
6 Feb: 2.45 Leopardstown Or Jaune De Somoza (E/W) 6th/20 @ 40/1
5 Feb: 4.15 Newcastle (AW) Bobba Tee 3rd/11 @ 17/2
4 Feb: 3.00 Southwell (AW) Gulland Rock (E/W) 4th/11 @ 40/1
3 Feb: 7.30 Kempton (AW) Zhui Feng 1st/9 WON @ 4/1
2 Feb: 2.55 Newcastle (AW) The Steward 1st/12 WON @ 9/1
Account (Level Stakes Profit)
Feb 2021 LSP: +15.9
All 2021 LSP: +15.9
