Royal Zabeel can build on an excellent start for new connections with another victory in the Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap at Wolverhampton on Monday.
Having won of his first five starts during spells with Kevin Ryan and latterly James Tate, Royal Zabeel changed hands for 30,000 guineas at Tattersalls last July and he could be another shrewd recruit for trainer Mick Appleby and owners The Horse Watchers.
The four-year-old was given a break and a gelding operation before returning to action at Newcastle in November, where he was beaten just 0.75-lengths in second after racing a bit keenly in the early exchanges.
That run clearly had the desired effect as Royal Zabeel was on the mark last time, winning cosily by just under 2 lengths - a performance that caught the handicapper's eye and resulted in a 6lb hike.
Even that rise does not temper enthusiasm though, as Royal Zabeel does not have many miles on the clock and is particularly unexposed on the all-weather, meaning any amount of improvement could be still be in the locker.
Classy Clarets took 16 attempts to get off the mark, but can go in again in the Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap.
The application of a hood - which is on again - worked the oracle here when racing over 1000m, but the 1200m he faces this time should present few problems now he has what was quite a tidy win under his belt.
Radiant Beauty is the pick in the Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Fillies' Handicap, having just failed over course and distance last month on her first run since October.
Richard Hughes' charge travelled really well at the sharp end and looked the winner when Kieran Shoemark kicked at the top of the straight, only for Bass Player to deny her by a head, the pair clear of the third.
Sweet Couture has been knocking on the door and her time can come in the Win £1M With BetMGM's Golden Goals Restricted Maiden Fillies' Stakes. Third on her last two runs in novice company, she clearly has ability but just needs things to fall in her favour now, to which end coming back to 1400m from 1600m might help her cause.
Another to keep an eye on is the Anthony McCann-trained Irish raider Muhalhel in division one of the Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap.
He is no stranger to the Dunstall Park circuit, never being out of the first three in five visits, winning on the latest of those in April last year. Like then, he races off a mark of 46.
Sole Solution gets the vote in the Vobe Electrics "National Hunt" Maiden Hurdle at Ludlow.
While he was beaten 14 lengths last time out, the winner Sixmilebridge looks a decent type who has won again at Huntingdon and has some big potential spring targets, so the form is stronger than it looks.
Roger Pol can make the leap up in trip in the Plyvine Caterers Handicap Chase.
Pitched over an extended 5000m here, Roger Pol can take advantage after getting outpaced over shorter distances previously.
The Ayrshire Wedding Show 2nd February Handicap Chase at Ayr can go the way of Raffles Wonder after a fair third place last time out. - Press Association
TAB is betting on 3 UK meetings on Monday. Here are the tips.
LUDLOW: Race 1: 14.45 Laughing John, Race 2: 15.15 Dunstall Rambler, Race 3: 15.45 Sole Solution, Race 4: 16.15 Gustoso, Race 5: 16.50 Roger Pol, Race 6: 17.25 De Vega's Warrior, Race 7: 17.55 Fresh As A Daisy.
AYR: Race 1: 15.00 Reagrove Lord, Race 2: 15.30 Reflection Of You, Race 3: 16.00 Travail d'Orfevre, Race 4: 16.35 Raffles Wonder, Race 5: 17.10 Yorkshire Lady, Race 6: 17.45 Baratablet.
WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1: 19.00 Classy Clarets, Race 2: 19.30 Radiant Beauty, Race 3: 20.00 Sweet Couture, Race 4: 20.30 ROYAL ZABEEL (NAP), Race 5: 21.00 Havana Force, Race 6: 21.30 So Obsessed, Race 7: 22.00 Muhalhel, Race 8: 22.30 Wannabeawallaby.
ALL TO COME: Radiant Beauty and Royal Zabeel (Wolverhampton, Races 2 and 4).