Hipster is fancied to retrieve recent losses despite top-weight in the �7250 3-y-o handicap over seven furlongs of Wolverhampton polytrack today, feature on a seven-race programme.
Prize-money is set to be given a boost this year and more races like this will get the pulse racing (again!), hopefully.
Judged on an Epsom effort over a similar distance back in September there's no doubt Hipster is clear 'best-in' and the Ralph Beckett/Jim Crowley combination is obviously a plus; one to beat is Overrider!
This obviously represents a a step up in grade but Overrider was certainly impressive when beating maiden 'trees' unchallenged by seven lengths last month and so Charles Hills is justified taking on better, more experienced rivals.
Hipster is drawn one and Overrider will be parked next door; it will be fascinating to see Crowley and Robert Winston vying for that vital early 'pozzy!'
Others need to improve and with three-year-olds that's always on the cards but Hipster ticks enough boxes and is selected.
Over the same course and distance half an hour later Hills runs newcomer King Wood in the Maiden Stakes for which consistent, hitherto luckless Lady Malet will probably be favourite, again!
Lady Malet, second in her last three races, is proving a benefit for bookmakers but unless King Wood does indeed prove above average William Haggas' charge should end a vexing run because, in addition to weight-for-age, she also get the fillies' allowance!
Racegoers are able to gain 'free admission' this month, not surprisingly much better crowds have been in evidence and they'll enjoy two divisions of an 'aged' handicap over seven furlongs; first leg looks well within capabilities of consistent, experienced Piccolo, mount of Graham 'The Enforcer' Gibbbons.
Think long and hard before opposing previous course and distance winner, Piccolo Express.
Incidentally I'm buoyed by reports of well-being for Long Run and his current ante-post price for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which he won 2011, is 7/1; that's a massive price.
SELECTIONS
2.00 Hipster
2.30 Lady Malet
3.00 Piccolo Express (e.w)