Tom Collins casts his judgement on a competitive sprint handicap

2.10 Wolverhampton
Heed Your Hunch At Betway Handicap | 6f | 4yo+ | ITV/SKY

Ten talented sprinters are set to head to post for this £25,000 contest, which has been won by the favourite five times in the last ten years.

The latest market leader to take the prize was Desert Doctor (7-2) 12 months ago and the Ed Walker-trained five-year-old is back to try and retain his crown.

A seven-time winner from 18 starts on the all-weather compared to 0-11 on turf, Desert Doctor has fitness on his side after two starts in Dubai since the turn of the year.

A guide to betting on the all-weather at Wolverhampton

He was beaten by track specialist speedster Bochart on both occasions and didn't relish the kickback, but was far from disgraced and will much prefer the return to Wolverhampton, where he boasts form figures of 11212.

Desert Doctor is 3lb higher than last year but remains well treated and has clear claims of striking again. The only doubt is the lack of front-runners as he comes from off the pace, but he doesn't necessarily need a fast gallop to be seen at his best, merely a lead into the race so he doesn't hit the front too soon.

A steady pace could be more of a problem for others, most notably Wasntexpectingthat and Hart Stopper, who have been in winning form at Newcastle this year.

The strong-travelling duo need something to run at and often catch the eye finding trouble. They certainly have the turn of foot to win a race like this but may be unsuited by how the race will pan out as they could find themselves out of their ground.

A couple of in-form runners are likely to head the market in the shape of Concierge and Treacherous.

Concierge is an interesting runner given he was campaigned over shorter than ideal on occasion when with George Scott and has shown improvement in five starts since moving to David Loughnane.

He isn't the easiest horse to ride, though, and is another who may find trouble in behind a slow pace. The booking of Silvestre de Sousa, who won on him last time, is a plus.

Concierge has a length and a half to find with Treacherous from when they met at Kempton last month and it's not easy to say that he can turn the form around with that rival, who should probably be favourite for the race despite running off a career-high mark.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What the stats say

Deputise (2-2) and Concierge (1-1) are unbeaten at this track, while Desert Doctor boasts the most victories here with three wins from five starts.

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Embour
He will need it but quite often runs good races when he looks bigger. He's got a good chance but might just be a bit rusty.

Ruth Carr, trainer of Katheefa
He's in good form but has his highest ever mark to contend with. His favourite track is Southwell but he is a course-and-distance winner at Wolverhampton and can hopefully run well.

Concierge: winning for former trainer George Scott at NewcastleCredit: John Grossick Racing

David Loughnane, trainer of Concierge
I’d prefer the race to be over seven furlongs. He won with a bit in hand over course and distance last time, though, so I’m hopeful he’ll go very close again.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Hart Stopper
He’s high in the handicap and it looks a tough race for him. Hayley [Turner] gets on particularly well with him though.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Wasntexpectingthat
I’m happy with him and he’s had a good winter. He’ll need to step up again, but I’m hopeful he can do so.
Reporting by David Baxter

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