TimeformBlog

Aachen easily landed hat-trick in novice events in 2008/9, proving himself a useful hurdler in the process. Lightly-raced since, but ability remains intact judged by recent promising return at Sandown.

Riptide isn't straightforward (often soon off bridle), but had his share of success over jumps. Good campaign on Flat for new yard, and this easier than last month's task in big-field Cheltenham handicap.

Arbor Supreme was a smart chaser at best for Willie Mullins, second in Bobbyjo Chase last season. Beaten a long way out on return/first start for this stable over hurdles here recently, so of no short-term interest.

Westlin' Winds was fit from Flat when winning 21f Market Rasen handicap hurdle in July. Not as good since, and well behind sixth-home Aachen in a competitive handicap at Sandown last time.

Garton King won all 3 starts in points last year, and looked a horse to follow when winning 3m novice at Exeter on hurdles bow 14 months ago. Not sighted since, but still holds leading claims on handicap debut.

Cloudy Too is a point winner who improved to get off mark over hurdles at Sedgefield (2½m) in March. Failed to complete all 3 chase starts this season, and laboured back over the smaller obstacles last time.

Devotion To Duty got off mark over hurdles at Musselburgh in February, and ran to a similar level when sixth of 23 in conditionals handicap at Cheltenham last month. Eased 3 lb since, which does help his cause.

Bruslini was fairly useful as novice, successful over 2m at Haydock. Left Philip Hobbs and off 19 months prior to rallying close fourth of 10 at Ffos Las (3m) in November. Makes the shortlist on that evidence.

Dais Return was better than ever to nab 27f handicap at Stratford in May. Below form both starts after and had a breathing operation since. Cheekpieces back on.

Sam Lord is more reliable over fences than hurdles, making all at Sedgefield, then second in Ayr Grade 2 in the spring. Well held in void race back hurdling in October, and similar story at Aintree since.

The Shy Man was heavily backed and duly delivered the goods in handicap at Wetherby (25f) in November. Travelled as if still in form since, but patchy profile is a reminder that he's not one to trust.

Dune Shine made winning start in handicaps at Fontwell (2¼m) in January and held form all starts since. However, there are stronger stayers in this line up, so opposed for that reason.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Garton King
2. Aachen
3. Bruslini

Timeform Verdict: Garton King won't lack for fitness on his handicap debut despite a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is fancied to remain unbeaten. Aachen and Bruslini are the pair who make most appeal of the others.

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