Globe-trotting jockey Paul Mulrennan returns with winning prospects (From York Press)

Globe-trotting jockey Paul Mulrennan returns with winning prospects

10:34am Monday 18th March 2013 in Sport By Tom O'Ryan, Racing journalist

North Yorkshire jockey Paul Mulrennan, who has spent the winter riding in India, returns to domestic action at Wolverhampton today and can return to the winning trail at Southwell tomorrow.

Mulrennan, who has strong links with a number of trainers in this region, has been booked by Malton trainer Peter Niven to ride Blades Lad in the 32Red.com Handicap at Southwell and the gelding is expected to be too sharp for his rivals.

The gelding returned from hurdling to run a fine race here recently, staying on dourly to finish a close up third to the in-form Dewala in an apprentices’ race.

Blades Lad may not have to improve much on that performance to get his head in front tomorrow and provide Mulrennan, who has just one mount at Wolverhampton today, with a speedy start to his British campaign.

Luv U Whatever can get Southwell punters off to a good start in the opening apprentices’ race. A winner here two starts ago, Philip Prince’s mount has since run well in defeat at Kempton. Back on Fibresand, Luv U Whatever can resume winning ways.

Newmarket trainer Chris Dwyer has done a good job of placing Hannahs Turn, who has won her last two races, here and at Wolverhampton.

There may be even more to come from Hannahs Turn, who is fancied to oblige once more in the 32Red Casino Handicap.

Miako was a runaway winner here on his latest start less than three weeks. Michael Appleby’s sprinter has been hiked up 10lb for that success, but it would come as no surprise to see him follow up under Andrew Mullen in the 32Red Handicap.

At Wolverhampton today, Malton jockey Patrick Mathers can figure on the scoresheet aboard nap selection Grand Jipeck in the 32RedBet.com Handicap.

Trained by Ian McInnes, the three-year-old shaped well to finish fourth on his recent seasonal reappearance. He can show the benefit of that outing here.

Punters may know their fate pretty quickly if they choose to back Holy Angel in the 32Red Handicap.

Tim Easterby’s gelding has been in cracking form this winter and particularly on this course, where he has notched two wins. But he has developed a habit of missing the break, which has cost him dearly on his last two starts.

A slow start would obviously be another disaster in this six furlongs dash, but if he gets away on terms, Holy Angel is capable of being involved in the shake-up. Duran Fentiman takes over in the saddle.

Where’s Reiley (3.30), who has been in tremendous form lately, and the lightly-raced veteran Tyrana (5.00), who will be partnered by fast-rising apprentice Robert Tart, are two others to note.

Racing selections

Wolverhampton today
3.00 Darkest Night, 3.30 Where’s Reiley, 4.00 Grand Jipeck (NAP), 4.30 Holy Angel, 5.00 Tyrana, 5.30 Al Meezan, 6.00 Stag Hill.

Today’s other meetings: Kempton and Southwell.

Southwell tomorrow
2.20 Luv U Whatever, 2.50 Excellent Puck, 3.20 Hannahs Turn, 3.50 Stand Guard, 4.20 Miako, 4.50 Blades Lad (NAP), 5.20 Chateau Lola.

Tomorrow’s other meetings: Exeter and Wolverhampton.