Upavon expected to go one better at Wolverhampton
– Upavon shaped with abundant promise on his return to action at Kempton last month and is strongly fancied to get back on the winning trail in the Betway Sprint Handicap at Wolverhampton today.
The Avonbridge gelding won off a mark of 90 at his peak - and while he is probably not the force he once was, having recently turned nine, his latest effort suggested he is no back number. Following previous spells with David Elsworth and Stuart Williams, the veteran sprinter made a successful debut for current trainer Tony Carroll at this venue 12 months ago from a perch of 83.
He struggled in a couple of starts when switched to the turf last May, but returned from an eight-month break back on the all-weather shortly after the turn of the year and ran a fine race to fill the runner-up spot behind the far less exposed Busby. That run will have blown away any cobwebs - and with the handicapper having kindly left him on a rating of 84, he should be there or thereabouts at the business end of proceedings.
Dawn Crusade is rated banker material in the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Fillies' Novice Stakes. Plenty was expected of Charlie Appleby's inmate on her recent racecourse introduction when she was a hot favourite to make a winning debut.
Favourite backers ultimately had their fingers burnt, but she was perhaps unfortunate to run into a very useful filly in Anapurna - and she was nicely clear of the remainder in second. That initial experience will not have been lost on Dawn Crusade, and compensation awaits.
The Dunstall Park card might prove a fruitful one for Clive Cox and Hector Crouch, with leading chances for Perfect Refuge in the Betway Casino Handicap and Aigiarne in the Ladbrokes Fillies' Novice Stakes. The latter shaped well on her one run to date, at Chelmsford before Christmas, and looks well capable of picking up a race.
Dew Pond can shed his maiden tag over jumps in the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Wetherby. The seven-year-old is not averse to passing the post in front - having won four times on the Flat.
Tim Easterby's charge is gradually getting the hang of the jumping game, running his best race to date when second at Kelso on his latest outing. With talented conditional Billy Garritty booked for the ride, this looks a good opportunity for Dew Pond to strike gold.
Quiz Master will not be winning out of turn if taking top honours in the Royal Bath & West Of England Society Chase at Taunton. Colin Tizzard's charge has won just once from 15 starts over hurdles, but has been placed on no less than 10 occasions.
Perhaps a switch to fences can help him find that touch of improvement he needs to get his head in front once again. – Press Association