Falcon to swoop
Venetia Williams has been firing in the winners with relish over the past couple of months and seems to have prepared this one for a spring campaign in some of the better handicap hurdles.
He made a more than satisfying return to the fray when a close third to Overstrand in a similarly competitive Ascot race last time.
The step back in trip is no concern for this speedy sort and he can fuel dreams of scooping a £75,000 bonus with further glory at Prestbury Park by taking top honours here.
The card opens with the EBF Sunderlands ’National Hunt’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final and Albertas Run should get punters off to a good start.
Jonjo O’Neill’s charge has improved with every start over timber since landing his hurdling debut over two miles at Uttoxeter in October.
Not beaten far when fourth at Haydock on his handicap bow, he got back to winning ways with the minimum of fuss last time and is taken to follow up in this valuable event.
The feature attraction on the all-weather at Wolverhampton is the William Hill Lincoln Trial Stakes, which can go the way of Bomber Command.
This John Hills inmate has been in grand order throughout the winter and returned from a short break to finish a rapidly-closing second to Wavertree Warrior last time.
The step up to this extended mile is sure to see him in an even more positive light and punters should get involved at the first opportunity.
Jack Sullivan is sure to take a power of beating earlier on the card in the williamhill.co.uk Lady Wulfruna Stakes.
Gerard Butler’s six-year-old has always been a high-class horse, scoring twice in Group Three company and going close at an even higher level in the not so distant past.
He was not beaten that far by Roses In May in the Dubai World Cup two years ago and finished third in the Godolphin Mile last year.
Making his reappearance here after an injury cut last season short, Jack Sullivan may well not be fully wound up but it is always dangerous to oppose a class horse stepping down in grade.
