Methaaly isn’t the easiest to win with, but there is little doubt that the handicapper has given him a chance and at 20/1 he makes plenty of each-way appeal in the 7.50 at Wolverhampton.
Mick Mullineaux’s charge has not scored since winning here over 5f back in 2010 when swooping late to score off a mark of 75.
Since then he has been a bit hit and miss, but he is a three times course and distance winner and put in a cracking effort here back in March when failing by just a short-head to overhaul Captain Dimitrios off a mark of 65.
He now runs off just 1lb higher, but is still 9lb below his last winning mark and didn’t shape too badly last week on the turf at Leicester when staying on to finish a never nearer 3 lengths fifth of 14 to Link Drive Lady
The nine-year-old would have a major chance at the weights if he can build on that effort now back on his favourite stomping ground, and is now partnered by Natasha Easton for the first time.
She takes another 7lb off his back, and he has often run well for inexperienced riders in the past.
He will obviously need to get the breaks at the right time from stall 9, but is the gaps to appear at the right time I can see him running a huge race.
Backing him obviously comes with risks attached given his long losing run, but at 20/1 I think it’s a risk worth taking in a race that could be run to suit.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Methaaly (20/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
