Wolverhampton Placepot picks: Richard Birch's selections for the £50,000 guaranteed pool

There seems no reason why Ice Opera cannot get punters off to a flying start in leg one (5.30) of the Wolverhampton Placepot, which is guaranteed for £50,000.

A dominant all-the-way winner over course and distance on Friday, the mare should follow up under Billy Loughnane.

The young rider also has an excellent chance aboard Al Baahy in leg two (6.00), with the 0-50 classified stakes appearing the perfect fit for the seven-year-old.

A Loughnane hat-trick is by no means out of the question in leg three (6.30), in which he partners Alasrae for George Boughey.

The lightly raced Arishka’s Dream, who has shaped nicely in two starts at Wolverhampton, rates the principal threat.

Water Of Leith caught many eyes when fourth behind Zoulu Warrior on his most recent visit to Wolverhampton.

The pair clash again in leg four (7.00) and look set to fight out the finish. Loughnane, who could have a great night, partners Zoulu Warrior.

Ash Wednesday, the winner of six of his ten starts on the all-weather, should go well if fit enough on his return from a 178-day break in leg five (7.30). Arantes Nascimento, with proven race-fitness on his side, provides solid insurance.

It’s hard to see beyond Hardstyle – and that man Loughnane – in leg six (8.00).

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Wolverhampton Placepot perm

5.30
4 Ice Opera

6.00
1 Al Baahy

6.30
3 Alasrae
6 Arishka's Dream

7.00
2 Zoulu Warrior
9 Water Of Leith

7.30
1 Ash Wednesday
5 Arantes Nascimento

8.00
1 Hardstyle

1 x 1 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 1 = 8 lines

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