Timeform Daily: Tuesday February 17, 9f Claimer, Wolverhampton 3.40

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 16 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Seven go to post for this nine furlong claimer worth £4,500. Timeform rate the runners.

Stuart Williams' Blacktoft has been successful on both his starts in claimers this month, winning at this course and Lingfield within three days. On the latter occasion he had an easy task when beating Zero Cool by five lengths, heavily eased after quickening away entering the straight. He should make a bold bid for the hat-trick.

New Star was back to form when beating Scamperdale a nose at this track a week ago, although was somewhat fortunate to take advantage of a reduced mark, better placed than the runner-up. He is none too consistent however, and it would be no surprise to see him turn in another below-par effort.

Jeff Pearce saddles Sabre Light. He is a fairly useful performer who has been in good heart of late, winning claimers on six of his last eight outings, and looked better than ever when beating Wahoo Sam seven lengths at Kempton for his latest success, quickening clear in the final two furlongs. He wears a visor for the third successive start.

Wahoo Sam reopposes Sabre Light. The nine-year old son of Sandpit was no match for that rival in the aforementioned Kempton race, and was below form over a mile at this course last time, seemingly setting too strong a pace. He is another with an inconsistent profile.

Flying Applause was off two months prior to putting in a poor effort in a handicap at Southwell last time. He has been largely regressive since winning a handicap at Windsor in July and despite the drop the grade looks likely to struggle in this company.

Both Alexander Guru and Siryena have plenty to find on the ratings to figure. The former has been below form on his last two starts and his free-going nature often counts against him, whilst Siryena also ran poorly last time. Incidentally, her trainer has been without a winner since she was successful at Brighton in early-September.