Tuite could have dream result in store at Wolverhampton
– Dream Malfunction can be backed today to stay true and straight in the 32Red.com Handicap at Wolverhampton.
Capable trainer Joe Tuite is probably still getting to know the three-year-old filly, having been based with Joseph O'Brien as a juvenile.
But Dream Malfunction showed at Lingfield last month she could make into a decent operator over middle distances. As such, she is taken to poke her head in front at the sixth attempt.
Tuite made the bold call to step her up to 2400m on her most recent visit to the racecourse, and the gamble nearly paid off.
The daughter of Mastercraftsman finished second to 2-1 favourite Sotomayor on what was her first spin since November.
London
It was awfully reassuring, most tellingly from a stamina perspective, to see her arrive fast and late to get to within 1.75 lengths of the winner.
Dream Malfunction has only gone up slightly in the handicap for this encounter, which is not exactly off-putting when one factors into the equation that Sotomayor renews rivalry off a 2kg higher mark.
Berlios perhaps holds the key to the Betway Sprint Handicap.
Rebecca Bastiman's five-yearold has been a largely consistent presence throughout the winter - and yet he has not won in nine starts since his transfer from David Barron's yard.
Berlios did, however, get very close at Newcastle last time when he came from well off the pace to finish second behind Windforpower, who held a one-length advantage at the line.
His trainer's decision to revert to 1200m with this gelded son of Excellent Art could finally tip the scales in his favour in what is a fairly workaday sprint.
Esspeegee should once again run with honour in the Betway Handicap at Newcastle.
This five-year-old son of Paco Boy has been a grand servant for Alan Bailey and won four on the spin - two at this track - between October and January.
Esspeegee came mightily close to a five-timer at Lingfield on 16 February but succumbed to Smiley Bagel by just a neck.
That was another feisty performance from Baily's inmate and it would be foolhardy to dare suggest he has now reached the end of his tether.
Esspeegee returns to Newcastle off a 1.5kg higher mark, but it is interesting Bailey has appointed Darragh Keenan, who claims an exceedingly handy 3kg.
Super Florence has every Wolverhampton (UK) Wednesday Race 1: 15:20 chance in the 32Redsport.com Handicap.
This grey daughter of Zebedee caught the eye at Wolverhampton last month, when she finished second in a 1200m handicap.
That was her first start since October so it should have done her the power of good. It will be interesting to see how she gets on back over 1000m and running off the same handicap mark. –