Timeform run the rule over a competitive handicap chase at Ludlow on Wednesday...
Cast Cada was a fairly useful hurdler, but not so good over fences, lucky to open account (left clear) in 3-finisher maiden at Southwell in 2010. No promise on return here and blinkers now added to usual tongue tie.
Fort View tends to race lazily but won 3 of first 4 starts under Rules, including 3m Huntingdon handicap in April. Disappointing both comeback starts this autumn, however, so hard to be confident now.
Ten Fires was a fairly useful staying chaser in Ireland, and would have run close to form but for falling heavily last (challenging for second at time) at Punchestown in October. Has left Dessie Hughes since.
Edgeover won a maiden chase at Market Rasen in June 2010, and having first start since when encouraging third of 6 in handicap hurdle at Leicester recently. However, often looked temperamental in the past.
Chapolimoss was much improved on second start for Lawney Hill when scoring at Worcester in August and followed up at Bangor in November. Another 8 lb higher but still rates a leading player.
Time For Spring is an Irish point winner who won over hurdles and made successfful start over fences at Carlisle (2½m) in October. Didn't get up the hill at Cheltenham after, and this easier track should suit better.
Made In Time is a winning hurdler who made successful start over fences in 2½m novice handicap at Ffos Las last month. Still going well when unseating ninth at Newbury since and good chance he'll atone for that here.
Mister Wiseman made a fine return to action, winning back-to-back handicap chases at Uttoxeter (2½m) from the front. Shot up the weights as a result and checked out tamely at Chepstow since. Tries longer trip now.
Pyracantha left Alan Swinbank after breaking duck over fences in April. Returned to form in first-time cheekpieces at Bangor September, and ran close to that level when third at Hereford last time.
Chesapeake notched a second chase win at Newton Abbot (3¼m) in September. Gone to pot since (let down by jumping), so no surprise Tony McCoy prefers Made In Time.
Battlecry is not the force of old, but back to winning ways in 3¼m handicap chase off much-reduced mark at Newbury last time. That was a weak amateur event, but still fairly treated on his old form.
Always Bold bounced back to best for new yard, landing back-to-back handicap hurdles at Fontwell (27f) in November. Bit disappointing on hat-trick bid last time, though, and bit to prove back chasing.
Only Witness Improved in cheekpieces to win staying handicap hurdles at Worcester and Plumpton. Suddenly got act together over fences when second of 10 at Huntingdon last time, and headgear now back on.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Made In Time
2. Time Form Spring
3. Chapolimoss
Timeform View: Made In Time was still moving sweetly when unseating last time and is worth another chance having cruised to victory on his chase debut prior to that. Time For Spring didn't get home at Cheltenham last time but should find this easier track more to his liking, while the hat-trick seeking Chapolimoss can't be discounted either.
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