Nolt-on Fire
Tue 14 Feb 2023
WINNER 10 OF 2023: NOLTON CROSS, trained by Hugo Palmer and ridden by James Doyle: The Class 4 'Scu Selects Expert Tips By BetUK Handicap' over 1m 4f at Wolverhampton.
Chalked up as favourite, he was though, given an outside draw in 11 of 12. James managed to slowly get him across and he sat just in behind the leaders, on the outer. Coming to the final 4 furlongs he lost position and little and was shuffled back into 4th, but he looked comfortable nonetheless. He went 2nd again over 2f out and coming around the home bend, James sent him for home. He led inside the final 2f and went quickly clear in the final furlong, keeping on strongly, under hands and heels, to win by 4 and 3/4 lengths.
"Nolton Cross is home and hosed and wins readily." Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Wolverhampton/13-February-2023/1930
Timeform rated it as a career best t96 performance, saying: "Followed up from last time, strong in the betting and value for further improvement even if he did avoid the trouble the befell the next couple home; never far away, travelled well, produced to lead around 2f out, quickened clear over 1f out, comfortably.”
See the official photos, here: https://www.jahphoto.co.uk/-/galleries/wolverhampton-horse-racing-2023/february-2023/13th-february-2023/race-6
James said in his Sky Sports Racing interview, with Jason Weaver: "He's pretty professional, jumped smartly and got himself in a good position. He's a nice horse and has physically done well so we are hoping for a good campaign with him."
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Well done to his owners on their third win with him - this was most impressive. He has walked back into the winners enclosure after 10 of his 14 starts for them and as James said in his interview, he has done well physically and looks like he could keep improving. I thought James gave him a nice ride, not using too much fuel to get him across and thanks to Hugo and the Manor House team once again. He is turning into a smart prospect for some nice Saturday races."
Plus, he took us past £200,000 of race prize money won so far this year!