New start can prove right up Upavon’s street

Veteran backed to open account under the guidance of Tony Carroll

UPAVON

can feel the benefit of a change in scenery by making a winning start for Tony Carroll in the Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton.

The eight-year-old is a veteran of 55 races now so while he probably holds few secrets from the handicapper, a fresh environment might be just the thing to reinvigorate him.

An admirable performer for David Elsworth and then Stuart Williams, Upavon has a total of 11 wins to his credit which is not a bad strike rate at all, with his most recent success coming at Brighton back in August.

He has failed to add to that win in eight subsequent outings, but his neck second to Tropics last time was a decent effort, although he just fell short on the run for home.

The handicapper has seen fit to nudge him up 2lb for that run, but he remains a good way short of his highest mark which might leave Carroll a little something to work with.

SCRUTINY was a shock 66-1 winner of an amateur riders’ event on his most recent outing and while no world beater, he could just follow up in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap.

He seemingly appreciated both the switch away from Southwell, where he had disappointed on two previous runs, and the application of cheekpieces as he prevailed by just a neck over an extended mile.

A 3lb rise seems a bit harsh perhaps, but he is still some way below the mark of 70 off which he was triumphant a few years ago.

GORSE was beaten a neck at Newcastle last time but can right that wrong in the 32Redsport.com Handicap back at Gosforth Park. SELECTIONS NEWCASTLE: 5.15 Keir Hardie, 5.45 Kings Full, 6.15 Hadley, 6.45 Urban Spirit, 7.15 Gorse, 7.45 Fintry Flyer. WOLVERHAMPTON: 2.15 Smart Mover, 2.45 Scrutiny, 3.20 King Kevin, 3.50 Mrs Burbidge, 4.25 UPAVON (NAP), 4.55 Dubai Acclaim. DOUBLE: Upavon and Scrutiny.