Wolverhampton preview: Billyoakes ready to cut a dash

David Metcalf | December 4, 2015

Billyoakes looks nicely treated on the pick of his form and decent value to get back to winnings ways in the 6f handicap on this evening’s Coral-sponsored card at Wolverhampton (18.15).

The gelding was a three-time winner last year when trained by Mick Channon, and has posted some eye-catching efforts since joining David Barron.

They include a staying on never nearer 2 1/2 length fourth of 10 to the now 106-rated Don’t Touch over 6f at Haydock off a mark of 85 when the pair met on level weights.

That represents really strong form in the context of this contest, and Billyoakes also shaped well two starts back at Haydock when running on well to be nearest at the finish and a 2 1/4 length sixth of 16 to Brando off 87.

Although the three-year-old was subsequently well-beaten last time out at the same venue, the handicapper has been quick to react and dropped Billyoakes another 1lb to 84.

That should enable the son of Kodiac to be very competitive, especially now switched back to the Tapeta surface for the first time than when last successful at the track 13 months ago.

What’s all the Fossa about?

In the 7f apprentice handicap (17.15), Fossa can take advantage of a drop in the weights to score a long overdue success.