Wolverhampton Preview: Bond and Tart a tasty combination

Reggie Bond has a terrific record when ridden by Robert Tart and can further enhance it with victory in the 1m 1f handicap at Wolverhampton today (6.45).

The pair have teamed up three times, winning twice and finishing a neck runner-up on the other occasion.

They first struck over course and distance 12 months ago when Reggie Bond quickened nicely to readily beat John Potts by 2 3/4 lengths off a mark of 53.

The five-year-old was then beaten just a neck under Tart over course and distance off 7lb higher, before the duo got back to winning ways on the turf at Haydock off 62.

Reggie Bond has gone on to be placed on just one occasion in four subsequent starts, but has not had the services of Tart in the saddle.

It looks significant that connections have decided to now put him back in the plate as Reggie Bond shaped as if coming back to form when a close-up fifth over course and distance last month and looks on a workable mark off 66 if building on that.
In the 1m 1f handicap that kicks-off proceedings (4.45), White Rose Runner looks weighted to go well after shaping nicely last time out.

The Mel Brittain trained filly has only had seven starts and seemed to appreciate the step up in trip when staying on to finish a 2 1/2 length fourth to Hickster over course and distance last month off a mark of 56.

White Rose Runner finished seven lengths in front of the seventh home Sarlat, who is favourite for this, and now meets that rival on 14lb better terms.

That suggests that the selection is well-treated at present, especially as the handicapper has dropped her another 2lb since that run.

The four-year-old is now running off a rating of 54 having initially been given an opening handicap mark of 64.

It gives White Rose Runner a big shout at the weights if building on her latest effort, and with the yard in decent form a bold showing looks assured.

Selections:
4.45: White Rose Runner (NB)
5.15: Monsieur Chevalier
5.45: Off The Pulse
6.15: Wowee
6.45: Reggie Bond (NAP)
7.15: Captain Whoosh