'It's his favourite surface' - analysis and quotes for Wolverhampton handicap

Tuesday: 5.45 Wolverhampton
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There are some in-form horses lining up in this competitive handicap and they are headed by Aussie Banker, who kept on strongly to win in the fog at Kempton a couple of weeks ago.

Aussie Banker will attempt to follow up off a mark 5lb higher than for that victory and a career-high rating of 80. The switch to this track shouldn't be an issue as he finished a good third over seven furlongs here in October, but a wide draw isn't ideal.

Aussie Banker will come from stall ten of ten and runners from that wide usually get no cover. It is often argued that a good jockey can overcome a bad draw and that theory will be put to the test here as champion jockey William Buick, who won on him last time, is back to ride.

Visibility is another in-form contender and he is bidding for a third victory at the course this winter. He has to carry a 5lb penalty for his win here on Friday and trainer Scott Dixon is ten per cent with horses who were reappearing within seven days of a win in recent seasons.

The final word goes to Young Fire, who is attractively handicapped and represents the red-hot David O'Meara stable that is 4-15 (27 per cent) in the last fortnight.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Amy Murphy, trainer of George Morland
He’s in good form and he’s done very little wrong since we switched him back to the all-weather as it’s his favourite surface. We’re very happy with him and Taylor [Fisher] won on him last time at Southwell, so we’ve kept him on to take the 5lb off.

Kevin Philippart de Foy, trainer of Wait For The Lord
She’s just coming back from a very long break and she should improve fitness-wise after it. It’ll help us make a plan for her during the winter, but it’s over a mile and she’s won over a mile and a quarter, so we’ll see if she needs the run and then we’ll go forward from there.

Richard Hughes, trainer of Aussie Banker
It’s not the best draw in stall ten but we’ll do our best. You have to rely on the pace when you’re drawn out wide. On paper, I think he won a better race at Kempton so we’re hoping he can do it again.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Roudemental
I’ve been really happy with him. He had a couple of quick runs in November and he just did a little bit too much in front at Southwell, so hopefully he’ll have something to aim at. He’s in good form, he seems to like the all-weather surface and I’m looking forward to seeing him run.

Scott Dixon, trainer of Visibility
He’s come out of his last race fine, he didn’t have a hard time and he did it quite cosily. He seems fresh and well, and has backed up before. We’re running him quicker than ideal, but you’d like to think he’s got a solid chance.
Reporting by Liam Headd

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