Wolverhampton best bet (1830): True Statesman expected to bounce back under Rossa Ryan
Liam Keniry at Wolverhampton racecourse
Wolverhampton’s first Sunday evening meeting of the year has plenty of decent races to enjoy, and this handicap over an extended mile could prove to be one of the most competitive on the card.
18:30 Wolverhampton: Stay Golden with BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap (1 mile 142 yards)
With four places up for grabs, there could be some each-way interest from the lower echelons of the betting market here, with capable performers such as Chantico, Hartswood and Titan Rock all looking to defy their outsider odds.
Although there could be some outsider interest in the minor placings, we’re expecting the market principals to dominate proceedings here, with early favourite Summa Peto a strong contender with Billy Loughnane in his saddle for the first time.
This six-year-old course-and-distance winner is expected to go well after finishing a promising fifth of 10 over the same trip on his return from an extended six-month break, during which he switched into the capable hands of Michael Appleby.
Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Titan Rock finishes in the first 4 places, get a £5 Free Bet
Ernie’s Valentine is expected to run him close after winning over this course and distance eight days ago, but our final nod goes to True Statesman, who looks capable of overturning his half-length deficit in that same race last weekend.
Charlie Johnston’s four-year-old has not won since back-to-back successes in the summer of 2022, but a couple of recent near misses suggest that his next visit to the winner’s circle might not be too far away.
Third of eight at Chelmsford a month ago, just missed out again when finishing third behind Ernie’s Valentine in the above race, but a two-pound pull could well work in his favour here.
True Statesman wandered badly in the final stages here a week ago, probably costing him the race, so it looks significant that in-form all-weather specialist Rossa Ryan is booked to pilot him here for for the first time.
- Suggested best bet: True Statesman in the 18.30 at Wolverhampton
- Tip advised by Each Way Target Tips on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Wolverhampton racing tips: Best bets for Sunday January 7
