Zabeel poised to strike
James Toller’s three-year-old has failed to sparkle as connections once thought he might, but an encouraging run last time suggests he could now be poised to strike.
The son of Anabaa got off the mark at the second time of asking as a juvenile last year, when a two-length slamming of 1000 Guineas heroine Speciosa underlined his ability.
He then finished down the field in Group Three company before ending the campaign under something of a cloud.
Despite shaping well in some competitive races throughout the year, Zabeel House was patently failing to fire for Ed Dunlop and joined Toller mid-season.
Although the change of scenery did not appear to catalyse an instant upsurge in his fortunes, there were definite signs last time the gelding could be ready to take advantage of a slipping handicap mark.
He proved well suited by the surface when finishing fast to claim third place, and with the step up to a mile sure to suit, is strongly fancied to get back on the scoresheet.
The Book Online at wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk Handicap is the highlight on the card at Dunstall Park, and it is worth giving Alpine Reel one more chance now he has been handed a favourable draw.
He has been sent off favourite to win both starts at this venue this year but was never able to land a blow from a wide draw when seen in action last time.
