TimeformBlog

Armedanddangerous was just modest in bumpers but improved for increased test of stamina when making winning hurdling bow at Carlisle (2½m, heavy) in March. Conditions to suit on return and could have more to give.

Lua de Itapoan is a stoutly-bred mare who was runner-up at this trip on first 2 starts over hurdles and better than result (hampered) over 3m when last seen in March. Should be more to come and opening mark fair.

Macs Island is clearly not easy to train, having run just 3 times, but proved he can go well fresh when second back from a 20-month absence at Sedgefield in December 2009. Market should guide.

Faith Keeper was runner-up in a point and shown bit of promise in 3 starts over hurdles for Nigel Twiston-Davies last term, particularly as 2m would have been too sharp last twice. Interesting now handicapping.

Allbarkanobite left her previous hurdles efforts well behind when making a winning return to action in 2m novice here last month. Got up late in the day on that occasion so return to 2½m will suit now handicapping.

Zefooha was a fair winner in headgear on Flat this summer and no surprise she improved with cheekpieces on for the first time over hurdles, winning a C&D handicap. That a weak affair, though, and this tougher.

Arc Warrior showed ability in novice hurdles in 2009/10, but pulled up all 3 starts last season (2 of which were over fences) and similar story on reappearance. Cheekpieces need to make a difference.

Dusky Bob rather lost his way for Nick Gifford but far from first to be rejuvenated by switch to this yard, winning 2½m Sedgefield handicap chase in September. More emphasis on stamina will suit back hurdling.

Papamoa made little impact in bumpers, but is getting hang of things over hurdles, fourth over this trip at Perth in September on handicap bow/first start in 5 months. Yard had couple of winners recently.

Finbar Flynn presumably not been the easiest to train, but this at least a lot more suitable now handicapping having been set a very stiff task at Aintree on belated return last month.

Treehouse was a much improved staying chaser in 2009/10. Signs of retaining ability on second outing back from absence and should be plugging on when others have cried enough down in trip on hurdling return.

Sammy Spiderman got back to form in first-time visor when winning 25f Ayr handicap chase in March. Pulled up as if amiss on recent return from over 6 months off but testing ground at least in favour back over hurdles.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Duky Bob
2. Faith Keeper
3. Lua de Itapoan

Timeform View: Quite an interesting race for the level and the market will be informative with a few returning from lay-offs. There are no fitness doubts about Dusky Bob, though, and he can make it 2 out of 2 for Brian Ellison. Faith Keeper looks interesting starting out in handicaps for Fergal O'Brien, while Lua de Itapoan is another who should have more to give.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/