Wolverhampton best bet: Billian ready to hit ground running on return to action
Wolverhampton racecourse
There’s plenty in with a shout in the 11-runner handicap, not least a previous course-and-distance winner who is looking to bounce back after an extended summer break.
19:00 Wolverhampton: Download the Attheraces App Handicap (6 furlongs)
Any runners hoping to create an upset here will need to get their nose in front of early market leaders After Curfew and Exorbitant, who are sure to be given competitive rides by Oisin Murphy and Richard Kingscote respectively.
Of the half-dozen runners carrying double-digit odds, the outsider pick appears to be Kevin Ryan’s Stella Blue who responded well to the removal of headwear on his return to an artificial surface at Southwell last time out a month ago, and he could well build on that fourth-placed finish.
Our final nod, however, goes to the Philip Kirby-trained Billian, who has been out of action since a sub-par performance at Chelmsford last time out persuaded connections that a rest was as good as a change.
Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Billian finishes in the first 4 places, get a £5 Free Bet!
That showing, plus the extended break might just have the bookies overlooking the prowess of this proven all-weather performer who is a course-and-distance winner, and who shared more than his fair share of success earlier this year.
Three consecutive close-up runner-up spots were by distances of half a length, a head, and a nose, so it was no surprise that he stepped up to win at Wolverhampton next time out, and he backed that up with another win at Chelmsford in May.
After 20 outings in a hectic 12-month period, a rest period was long overdue, and if Billian can hit the ground running on his return to action, then this could represent a great chance to back him at a better price than he has carried in any of his last ten runs.
Suggested bet: Billian each-way in the 19:00 at Wolverhampton
