Strong field of specialists assemble for a rare opportunity in Lady Wulfruna

2.05 WolverhamptonBombardier Lady Wulfruna Stakes (Listed) | 7f | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

This is a rare opportunity for all-weather 7f specialists who fall below Group class. It’s the only Listed race run all year over this trip on an artificial surface that isn’t restricted to three-year-olds or fillies and mares. It’s no surprise that it has attracted a strong field.

The top two in the overnight market certainly fit the bill as all-weather specialists at this trip. Highland Dress and Documenting have a combined seven wins from 16 starts in races under these conditions and Highland Dress has thrived since moving up from sprint distances.

The five-year-old improved 5lb on his best Racing Post Rating over 6f when landing a 7f conditions race at Lingfield in November and has continued to progress on his last two runs.

He achieved a career-high RPR of 113 when second in a 7f conditions event at Chelmsford last time, but can he find enough improvement to beat Documenting, who has a peak all-weather RPR of 116?

Highland Dress already has a verdict over Documenting – the pair were first and third at Lingfield in November – but RPRs suggest Documenting (104) was 12lb below his best and the fact he has been off for 112 days also suggests all was not right. An intriguing rematch awaits.

At this time last year connections would have had Classics in mind for Mums Tipple, but after finishing last in the 2,000 Guineas in June, he is reinventing himself on the all-weather.

Few will forget him running away with a sales race at York’s Ebor meeting in 2019 and his latest sixth in a 6f Listed race at Lingfield was his best effort since, judged on RPRs. Maybe he can build on that on his first start over 7f, a trip that should suit given his pedigree.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Read a selection of our other Saturday tipping . . .

Pricewise: Tom Segal thinks the Imperial Cup market leaders can be taken on (Members' Club)

Saturday Sizzlers: Paul Kealy pinpoints a host of overpriced runners at Sandown (Members' Club)

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Saturday afternoon

Saturday's free racing tips: six horses to consider putting in your multiples

View From Ireland: sharp operator Peter Fahey fancied to warm up for festival in style (Members' Club)

What they say

Paul Midgley, trainer of Ostilio
We ran him a week after we bought him [in November] and we probably didn't do the right thing in dropping him back to a sprinting trip. His work has been good and he's been very straightforward at home. He's got a good draw in two and while he'll come on for the run, he's fit enough to do himself justice.

Kevin Frost, trainer of Documenting
He ran a little flat last time at Lingfield and we've freshened him up with this race in mind and he has come back great. He just failed to catch Urban Icon in this race last year. It looks a competitive race once again and I think he will get a good pace to aim at. A fast-run seven furlongs suits him down to the ground.

Lord Of The Lodge: doesn't have many options at the momentCredit: Grossick Racing

Karl Burke, trainer of Lord Of The Lodge
Wolverhampton doesn't really play to his strengths but there aren't a lot of options left on the all-weather and he doesn't really want soft ground on turf. He's in really good form and should run well, but Highland Dress will be hard to beat.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Mums Tipple
We were very pleased with his first run of the year and he'll be much straighter for it. He worked very well a couple of days ago and this trip looks like what he wants.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Belle Anglaise
She's got a fair bit to find on figures but her owner was quite keen to have a go at getting black type. She's had black type in Germany and if she manages to get third, it will be like winning for us.

James Tate, trainer of Shimmering Dawn
Five of her six wins have been on the all-weather and she'll be very effective over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton. There are a couple of horses she's got a bit to find with on form and we're hoping she can get some black type by finishing in the first three.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Read a selection of our Saturday previews . . .

2.25 Sandown: 'It was a terrible race at Plumpton' – Gary Moore on his Imperial Cup favourite

To win pounds for Cheltenham, you need to worry about pounds in hand at Sandown (Members' Club)

1.50 Sandown: Richard Birch believes a step up in trip will be key to his EBF Final fancy

Saturday Jury: 'I expect a big run from her' – broadcaster Oli Bell fancies one at Sandown (Members' Club)

2.40 Wolverhampton: pedigree points to smart turf performer improving on the all-weather

3.35 Sandown: Keith Melrose with expert analysis on the race that made way at the festival

Place bets with seven bookmakers without leaving the free Racing Post app. Same prices, same offers, live video. Every race, every day. Search 'Racing Post App' to download for free and tap the odds buttons to get started