6:30 Wolverhampton (Friday, 8th February) Free Horse Racing Tips

A small field of six runners for this median auction maiden stakes over 5f 216y. By all accounts a poor race. However, it is intriguing for one reason - we see the return of Newstead Abbey. Will he win? In truth, that isn't the reason for me writing this post. This son of Byron is a prime example illustrating that to be a successful race horse is as much about temperament as it is possession of ability. Many race fans will remember this bay was originally purchased by John Fretwell for 37,000gns, racing in his familiar lime green silks. He started his career at York when trained by David Brown. He ran a sterling race on debut when fancied in the betting. Finishing second to Funk Soul Brother, beating Artigiano - a group-class campaigner for Godolphin who came third. After such a promising start, few would have considered winning a maiden more than a stroll in the park. However, with seven races under his belt, this February foal has yet to taste victory. Although going close on a number of starts, Newstead Abbey ruined his chances by pulling too hard. Shortly after his last run in October, he was sold at the end of the Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale to Harrowgate Bloodstock for 15,000gns. Now trained by David Barron, he is owned by the Let's Be Lucky Partnership. With a tissue price suggesting he will be odd-on favourite, perhaps fortune favours the brave. Fingers crossed.