Race Week 2 Preview - Scotland aiming to continue promising start at Wolverhampton

Scotland bids to capitalise on a strong opening night as Racing League switches to the all-weather at Wolverhampton for week two on Thursday, July 31.

Now under the leadership of broadcaster Alex Steedman, Scotland sits just two points behind leader London & The South after both teams sent out three winners at Great Yarmouth last week.

Scotland’s points total of 156 was its highest ever at a Racing League fixture, eclipsing its previous best of 140.5 at Newcastle in 2022.

Steedman said: “It was an unbelievable start for us at Great Yarmouth, way beyond anything I could have imagined. Although I did not know what to expect, I fancied Solar Aclaim as well as our two runners Pole Star and Shajak in the staying race. To win those two races was great, and Mister Bluebird getting the ball rolling was a real bonus.

“The whole experience was a real learning curve for me. We ran a couple of horses I was unsure about – Sportingsilvermine because of the ground and Qitaal who had a bit to prove – but both were just beaten in photo finishes. It was a good lesson for me in terms of not being too dogmatic about how you think things will unfold.”

Looking ahead to Wolverhampton, Steedman added: “Planning for last week’s meeting was handicapped by the weather and ground, whereas this week on the all-weather we know where we are. That has made my job easier and, in terms of running plans, we had our horses more or less sorted by Sunday evening. We have set the bar high after Yarmouth but, similarly to last week, I am not too sure what to expect, although I think we have some solid options across the board.

“We look quite strong in Race 13 with Obelix and Tilted Kilt. Obelix still looks fairly handicapped, having come back to form last time, while Tilted Kilt goes well on the all-weather. I am interested to see how Queen’s Guard gets on in Race 11. Iain Jardine likes her chances, so hopefully she should be a player. I think this week’s staying contest, Race 10, looks promising for us again with Northumberland Plate third Charging Thunder and La Pulga.”

The East will be hoping to replicate its stunning five-timer at this fixture 12 months ago, having failed to register a winner at Great Yarmouth to end the night third on 135 points.

Now managed by trainer Charlie Fellowes, The East’s squad for Wolverhampton includes James Fanshawe’s Listed-winning sprinter Willem Twee, who goes for a repeat win in Race 11.

Fellowes said: “I thought Great Yarmouth was a solid meeting for us without being anything more than that. Technically, it was our home meeting, so to come away without a winner was frustrating, and we will have to up our game if we want to be competitive.

“I think our team of runners for Wolverhampton is strong in places and weaker in others, but I think that is to be expected in a competition like this. You are not going to be strong in every race.

“I think we look solid in Race 13 with Believe The Storm and Mr Swivell, who have both performed consistently and look like they have more to offer. Race 14 could be good for us as well with Roger Varian’s Fox Avatar and Immediate Effect for Sir Mark Prescott.

“We have added a few trainers to the team, including David Evans, Stan Moore and Kevin Philippart de Foy. We have half an eye on Chepstow next week and I have been working to bring in a few trainers who will be able to help us out there.”

Race and winner graphics from Great Yarmouth are available here

The latest trainer, jockey, team, and race data is available here