Timeform Daily: Thursday, Wolverhampton 15:50

Race of the Day / Timeform / 02 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Dunstall Park

"Star Links is a 5-time winner who has largely run with credit since regaining winning thread at Naas..."

With Wincanton another meeting to fall by the wayside, today's race of the day is the extended mile handicap at Wolverhampton...

Photo Opportunity put up useful effort when making winning debut at Killarney (8.5f) in August 2010. Only seen twice in handicaps since for Dermot Weld but interesting if market vibes positive for new yard.

Thunderstruck was well ridden when making all to snap a losing sequence over 1¼m at Lingfield a month ago. Unable to dominate from wide draw back there 10 days later, and probably high enough in the weights now.

Mullins Way was off a year before winning on handicap debut at Redcar in July. Most disappointing all 3 starts since (though excuses for AW debut) so others clearly arrive here in better heart.

Star Links is a 5-time winner who has largely run with credit since regaining winning thread at Naas (1m) in August, not beaten far when third over C&D in November. Race worked out well so must be of interest.

Standpoint needed drop to claiming company to gain a deserved success over C&D in November. Quickly put a blip behind him when runner-up in similar contest last time, and likely to go well again

Guest Book was better than ever when finding one too good on 3 occasions last year for Mark Johnston. Yet to find his feet for current stable, though, and plenty to prove for now.

Elijah Pepper is normally very consistent, and landed a C&D handicap in October from Dream of Fortune. Markedly below form in claiming company here last time, though, and a bounce back now called for.

Viva Ronaldo's best effort since juvenile days was when winning a 7f Chester handicap in June. Not seen to best effect over that trip here last week, but attitude now a concern and stamina to prove.

Goal enjoyed a productive 2011, winning 4 times in all on various surfaces. Tame efforts back from a short break at Southwell last month, and this trip right on the limit of his stamina.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Star Links
2. Standpoint
3. Photo Opportunity

Timeform View: The C&D contest Star Links finished third in has been well advertised since, and he looks the one to be with. Standpoint can usually be relied upon to give his running, while Photo Opportunity is an intriguing contender on debut for a new stable.