Plain sailing for Captain

● Kevin Ryan’s charge can open his 2017 account

Captain Dion can get his 2017 campaign off to the best possible start by lifting the Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton.

Kevin Ryan’s charge was last seen on 30 December when he failed to see out the year in style as he could finish only fourth in a six-furlong heat at Newcastle. The four-yearold possibly did not thrive on the straight track at Gosforth Park, but still ran with credit to be beaten just a length and a half after trying to make all. His front-running style had previously been seen to much better effect at Chelmsford, where he dominated from the off to win by two lengths.

Captain Dion seemed to enjoy racing round a bend that day and a similar set up here should help his chances of regaining the winning thread.

Prisom went down by just a head last time, but compensation awaits in the sunbets. co.uk Download The App Handicap. She is clearly no world beater having won just one of her 10 starts to date, but she is in good heart at present and would not have to be too special to win here.

Free Zone has been pretty consistent so far this winter and can keep up the good work in Lingfield’s Betway Best Odds Guaranteed Plus Claiming Stakes.

Winner of a bumper at Huntingdon on his racecourse bow in November, Glen Forsa looked chock full of promise as he kicked clear a furlong out and breezed home a six-length winner. Back at the Cambridgeshire venue, and tackling obstacles for the first time in the Equimark Horseboxes All New Racing Collection EBF “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle, Glen Forsa looks an animal of potential.

Fly Home Harry can bring up a hat-trick in the Equimark Horseboxes The Professionals Choice Handicap Chase.

Alan Swinbank’s charge has triumphed at Southwell on his last two outings. Off the track since November, he has been raised 8lb in the ratings but the admirable attitude he showed that day bodes well for him responding to the challenge.