Follow The Money: Easier stamina test set to help well-fancied Playboy

Starting with the 5f Handicap at 14:45 in which Stocking has drifted out to 4.3100/30 from 2.8415/8.

At first glance Roger Varian's filly would have a chance in this based on her second at Kempton last November. However she has never won and is very difficult to trust now after misbehaving at the start at Windsor, leading to her withdrawal, so some evidence is needed that she has learned to control her temperament properly before she can become a serious betting proposition again. The money has poured in for frontrunner Darma and the selection was well beaten by that one when they met previously at Windsor in May on virtually the same terms, so it's difficult to imagine the tables being turned this afternoon if that market rival gets an early lead.

The next race on the card is the 5f Claiming Stakes at 15:20 and Gerrards Slip has been strongly supported into a price of 4.03/1 from 5.24/1.

Bryan Smart's three-year-old has been something of a revelation on the sand this term, easily landing a Southwell Maiden earlier in the year before running with credit to take third back at the same venue a few weeks later when stepped up to handicap company. That was over the minimum trip and as he was doing all his best work at the finish, the return to 6f will surely suit. Freshened up with a break since then he looks capable of claiming this modest prize and then continuing his progression through the ranks to a more exalted level.

Finally to the 7f Handicap at 17:30 and Western Playboy now trades at 5.24/1 after previously being available at 8.07/1.

Sylvester Kirk's gelding has yet to win after 11 races but almost broke his duck last time at Lingfield when looking the likely winner inside the last furlong before running out of gas in the final strides to get beaten half a length. However he may be able to make amends in this similar event, running off just 1lb higher and over a furlong less which won't stretch his stamina to quite the same extent. A first-time visor is tried here after blinkers seemed to help at Lingfield and claiming rider Gary Mahon takes off half a stone, all of which can help the selection to finally get his head in front.

Recommended Bets

Lay Stocking @ 4.3100/30 14:45 Wolverhampton
Back Gerrards Slip @ 43/1 15:20 Wolverhampton
Back Western Playboy @ 5.24/1 17:30 Wolverhampton