‘Champagne’ could be an addition to a sumptuous menu for Wolverhampton diners tonight, if they are successful in the ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs, fifth event of an eight-race programme.
This Dunstall Park Tapeta course is state of the art; from a vast third floor dining room there is a panoramic view of the mile round floodlit track and it’s extremely popular.
Initially an equitrack surface was laid, polytrack was substituted and three years ago Tapeta, ‘invented’ by former champion trainer Michael Dickinson, was laid; according to jockeys it will definitely stand the test of time and, significantly, there is very little kick-back for thoroughbreds, a one-time major problem.
Tapeta and polytrack appear to have similarities and from experience we find form working out from each to the other whereas fibresand on Southwell racecourse is unique but generally unacceptable with ‘fashionable’ trainers and their super-rich owners.
Few act on the ‘deep stuff’ and guesswork can never be a factor; the sight of horses strung out like steeplechasers on a muddy surface is too often the case. Serious punters have given it a swerve and only a few days ago a veteran trainer castigated conditions when mentioning it “too deep!”
On our time-handicap thrice-raced Champagne Ceri is gilt-edged by virtue of a 5lbs fillies’ allowance; over this distance that equates to about four lengths and ultra-shrewd trainer, Roger Charlton, has seized upon this opportunity by booking ever-reliable Northern-based Philip Makin.
For ‘starters’ we have a ten-runner nursery handicap over five furlongs, course and distance winner, Emerald Bay, looks a tasty proposition under Adam ‘Mr Positivity’ Kirby.
With three places available this Kyllachy filly represents a solid ‘price to chance’ investment with so many boxes ticked. Incidentally ten is the perfect number for ALL the artificial surfaces as it lessens the negativity of draw bias; I’ll write to clerks of courses and let you know if there are any responses.
We want an end to the practice of trainers withdrawing because of a disadvantageous stall; mind you I’d have it done, as an owner!
SELECTIONS
12.10 Emerald Bay
2.15 Champagne Ceri
3.15 Wink Oliver