TimeformBlog

Iver Bridge Lad has worked his way back to best form this year, returning from Meydan to win minor events at Kempton and Nottingham, but set some stiff tasks since. Only ninth in this last year from the same mark.

Anne of Kiev is a hold-up sprinter who improved on AW last winter. Continued good work initially on turf, and cast aside a series of lesser efforts when just touched off in 6f listed event at Newmarket 3 weeks ago.

Mac's Power gained third win of 2010 in this contest from a 10 lb lower mark, and has shaped on numerous occasions this year as if he has another big handicap in him. Rare poor run to put behind him now.

Kaldoun Kingdom last tasted success over C&D back in March 2010, but matched the pick of recent form when finding only a thriving sort too good at York earlier this month. Remains well treated on old form.

Parisian Pyramid won twice over 6f in 2010, but has found the going tough since in handicaps from this sort of mark, only twelth in this contest last year. Nothing wrong with latest run at York, though.

Advanced has never been the easiest to catch right, but backed up his excellent third in the Ayr Silver Cup when going 2 better at Ripon. Well drawn that day, and this more competitive up 4 lb.

Valery Borzov went over 2 years between wins, but added to his Hamilton success just a month later at Haydock (both 6f good to soft). New mark shouldn't prevent another bold bid with ground to suit.

Cheveton has more than paid his way in handicaps over the years, and usually comes good at this time of the year. That proved to be the case when landing the Ayr Silver Cup, but disappointed last time.

Marvellous Value hasn't stood that much racing compared to most sprint handicappers, but there's no denying he's better than ever at present, finding only Cheveton too strong in Ayr Silver Cup. Must be of interest.

Grissom has been resurgent this summer, winning 3 times at 6f/7f including on a soft surface. Shouldn't be judged harshly on last 2 efforts, and this mark needn't prove beyond him.

Seal Rock made an impeccable start to his career when landing first 3 races (all at 6f) 6 months apart, and resumed progress when just touched off at Goodwood 12 days ago. Easily the least exposed.

Secret Witness is a tough sort, but hasn't been at his best since edging out Hazelrigg to take big-field 5f handicap here in August, and still 2 lb above that winning mark.

Mass Rally has proven expensive to follow in handicaps over the last couple of seasons for different stables, but best effort for a while when finding just Valery Borzov too strong at Haydock. Back up another 3 lb.

El Viento was back to winning ways at Ripon (6f) in July and good third to Casual Glimpse at Goodwood later that month. Never been one to hold his form for long, and latest effort at Ayr was disappointing.

Bohemian Melody was progressive in 2010, winning twice at Kempton. Confirmed he's as effective on turf when third behind Advanced at Ripon last time, comfortably best of trio who raced far side. Now tried in blinkers.

Elusivity won 7f AW minor event in April, and ended a frustrating run of in-frame efforts when taking 6f Newmarket handicap in August. Just as good in defeat when finding only a thriving sort too good latest.

Madany won twice at Haydock (6f) last year and good efforts when second in Newmarket sales race and fifth in Ascot listed race this term. Form levelled off, though hampered in handicap last time.

Enderby Spirit was largely disappointing in 2010, but that helped his handicap mark and he took advantage over C&D on reappearance in April. More miss than hit since, and this hardly any easier.

Bonnie Brae improved plenty more for new stable this year, better than ever when readily taking 7f handicap at Newmarket. Not in same form last time after 2 months off, and assessor probably has her measure.

R Woody did very well for this stable last season, successful 3 times in 6f turf handicaps. Possibly working his way back to form judged on latest run at Leicester, but this is competitive.

Star Rover ended losing run when bagging 5f Ffos Las handicap in August. Well established as a tough and reliable performer, posting another good effort at Goodwood last time (just behind Seal Rock).

Capone didn't waste time making his mark for current yard, winning at Kempton (6f) in August. Not at the top of his game on turf since, behind several of these on his last 2 outings.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Marvellous Value
2. Elusivity
3. Seal Rock

Timeform View: Any number are worthy of consideration in a race as difficult to solve as the field size suggests. Marvellous Value is right at the top of his game at present, and just gets the nod ahead of Elusivity, Seal Rock and Kaldoun Kingdom.

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