Destiny Could Await Shaw's Filly At Wolves

Nancy's Trix was outclassed at Ludlow for us earlier this week. She showed up well for quite a long way but when the race hotted up she just couldn't stay with the leaders, and trailed in 6th, beaten 18l. She is one to keep an eye on when sent handicapping, because she is certainly not devoid of ability and should be capable of winning a small race.

The national hunt action has been uninspiring this week as the majority of the best horses, from both big and small yards, have been put away for the festive period when the prize money is actually worth winning. King Kayf looks overpriced at 8/1 in the opener at Ascot and the form of his bumper 2nd at Newbury on heavy has worked out very well. He made a satisfactory reappearance when 2nd at Leicester and back on a softer surface he could go close.

However, at an even bigger price I like the look of a filly at Wolverhampton later on for the in form Derek Shaw yard. Midnight Destiny goes in the 6.40 and comes here on the back of a tame effort at Southwell last time when returning from a few weeks off. If she strips fitter for that effort she should have a right chance here off 51.

She is a 16 race maiden, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence. However, she has had only 4 runs on an artificial surface and she has hit the frame on 3 of those. She is of definite interest on her only run over course and distance back in June, when she was beaten just over a length off a mark of 50. That was also a class 6 contest and the winner went on to win again off 6lb higher. She pulled very hard early on too, which makes the fact she got so close to the winner even more impressive.

Tony Hamilton is booked for the first time so a big run must be expected given that she has been mostly claimer ridden in the past. She has a good draw in stall 3 so hopefully something gives her a lead and Hamilton can get her settled early on and save a bit for the finish. There is no doubt that she has the ability to win a race, she just needs to put it all together on the day. At 16/1 she looks worthy of a small interest each way in the hope the return to Wolves and the booking of Hamilton works the oracle.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 6.40 WOLVES-MIDNIGHT DESTINY 16/1 E/W