PEARL NATION, runner-up to stable-mate Starfield at Southwell last week, can go one better in the feature race at Wolverhampton this afternoon.

Trained by Mick Appleby, the gelding lines up for the £11,500 Ladbrokes Handicap and is fancied to defy top weight under Luke Morris.

Pearl Nation, who had won his previous race at Southwell, could never quite get to grips with Starfield last week, but Appleby’s gallops had been frozen over the Christmas period and it could well have been that the winner was fitter on the day than the runner-up.

Doubters will point out that Pearl Nation may be more at home on the Fibresand of Southwell than the quicker Tapeta surface of Wolverhampton, and that may well be the case. But the six-year-old looks a decent performer on synthetic surfaces and on turf. He can prove his class this afternoon and is awarded the nap vote.

Harwoods Star will be hard to beat in the first division of the Daily Enhanced ‘Magic Multiples’ At Unibet Handicap over five furlongs.

Stuart Williams, who took over the gelding in the autumn, dropped him back to the minimum trip on his first start for his Newmarket stable at Southwell last week and Harwoods Star, who was well backed, duly obliged. That victory came in an apprentices’ race and with no penalty today, Harwoods Star is fancied to follow up.

Ability N Delivery is selected to win the second leg for Irish trainer Michael Browne.

Although a ten-year-old, the sprinter is not shaping like a veteran and he comes here on the back of a creditable fourth- placed effort on Dundalk’s all-weather course last week. Adam Kirby looks a positive jockey booking.

North Yorkshire jockey Joe Fanning journeys to Dunstall Park with good prospects of a winner aboard Dutch Uncle in the Coral Connect Maiden Stakes.

Ed Dunlop’s three-year-old took a step forward on his latest third outing when chasing home the potentially useful Jack Hobbs on this course a couple of weeks ago.

It would be no surprise to see Dutch Uncle go one better before going down a handicap route.

Malton jockey David Nolan, who scored on newcomer Patrick at Lingfield on Saturday, can add to his winter tally aboard Archipeligo in the Bet In Play At Coral Handicap.

Iain Jardine’s four-year-old won on this course last month and, off a 6lb higher mark, promises to be competitive once again.

Over the sticks at Plumpton, Bravo Riquet turns out just a week on from recording a wide-margin win on this course in the TV Focus At timeform.com Handicap Chase.

David Bridgwater’s gelding is burdened with 7lb penalty this afternoon, but provided his latest exertions have not left their mark, he ought to make a bold bid to complete a quick double.

Ryeolliean can get punters off to a good start in the opening Jury Daily At timeform.com Novices’ Hurdle.

The Gary Moore-trained four-year-old has run two sound races over hurdles, including when finishing fourth to the useful Top Notch at Newbury last time out. This race looks within his grasp.

Moore could have a good afternoon. He also has useful prospects with Golanova (3.05), who is visored for the first time in the handicap chase, and Mr Fickle (4.05), runner-up on his last two starts and overdue a winning turn.

Wolverhampton today: 2.20 Naoise, 2.55 Pearl Nation (NAP), 3.35 Harwoods Star, 3.55 Ability N Delivery, 4.25 Beta Tauri, 4.55 Cape Cay, 5.25 Dutch Uncle, 5.55 Archipeligo.

Plumpton today: 1.20 Ryeolliean, 1.55 Bravo Riquet, 2.30 Cruising Bye, 3.05 Golanova, 3.35 Sweet Boy Vic, 4.05 Mr Fickle.

Today’s other meeting: Ayr.