There’s some interesting action at Windsor and Wolverhampton this evening and Sam King returns with two wagers from the latter venue.
Our first selection comes from Wolverhampton and I'm hoping the return to an all-weather surface can do the trick for Giant in the Download The At The Races App Handicap at 6.30.
He made a promising debut when seventh in a warm Newmarket novice event towards the backend of last year and followed that up with victory at Chelmsford. The Richard Spencer-trained colt probably bettered that form when runner-up at Kempton under a penalty and there were excuses (soft ground) for him running down the field back at Newmarket on handicap bow. It was a step back in the right direction when fifth over today's seven-furlong trip at Yarmouth last start and a 1lb drop by the handicapper will do harm.
The return to an artificial surface looks like the key though given both his best efforts have come at Chelmsford and Kempton. There's no reason to think this son of Rajasinghe will not handle the Tapeta at the first time of asking and he looks a solid bet with Andrea Atzeni booked to ride from stall three.
Selection: Giant – General 9/2
Connections of Manxman would have been hoping he'd be rated higher than 56 following four runs given he cost 200,000gns as a yearling and is a half-brother to Australian Group 1 winner Dubai Honour. However, the Crisford-trained runner did show he held a certain level of ability when landing a weak race at Windsor on his handicap debut and I'm expecting him to follow up in the Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Handicap at Wolverhampton (8.00).
The son of Cracksman seemingly appreciated the step up to 1m3 ½ f when winning at Windsor 16 days ago and it's easy to see there being plenty of further improvement now going up to 1m6f.
A 10lb rise in the weights makes life tougher, but Luke Catton is good value for his 5lb claim and with the return to an all-weather surface also unlikely to pose a problem he can remain unbeaten in handicap company.
Selection: Manxman – General 6/4
