TimeformBlog

Alben Star won first 2 starts as a juvenile in 2010 but not seen since October of that year (gelded in meantime). Given a bit of a chance by handicapper and respected if market suggests he's fancied on return.

Street Power boasts a very good strike rate over 6f/7f on polytrack. Last year's campaign ended as early as April, but confirmed ability was intact so can't rule out if fully tuned-up for seasonal return.

Pick A Little improved last year, winning 4 times, including over C&D. Left Ron Hodges since last seen in August, and not out of question he could go on again for new yard this year.

Volcanic Dust won 2 turf handicaps in 2011 and looked unlucky when fourth of 7 at Kempton last month, short of room for much of final 2f. Clearly on a good mark and needs considering.

Forever's Girl's first of 2 wins in 2011 was achieved over C&D in April. That was a sixth victory round here but this sort of mark looks just beyond her judged by last month's fourth of 9 over C&D.

Woolfall Sovereign's belated first try down at 6f produced a career best when nabbing C&D handicap last time. Didn't have much to spare but unexposed as a sprinter and should still be competitive after 3 lb rise.

Frequency is a tremendously tough gelding who gained his eighth win of 2011 when scoring here over 7f in November. No problem with drop back in trip, but never been this high in the weights.

Restless Bay won 3 times over C&D in 2011, most recently handicap off 4 lb lower mark. Creditable third here (7f) on penultimate start and race not run to suit last time.

Night Trade won twice for Deborah Sanderson in August (handicap/seller). Largely held form well since, including when 2½ lengths third of 9 to Dorback in C&D handicap last time.

Captain Scooby rattled up hat-trick on turf in September, and held form well since. Again finished strongly when fourth at Southwell last time and this step back up in trip can only help his cause.

Hotham has been hit and miss since regaining winning thread at Thirsk (6f) in July, though excused last 2 below-par runs on fibresand. All 11 wins achieved on turf, so is easy to have reservations about.

Caldercruix appreciated drop in trip when regaining the winning thread over C&D last month. Matched that in defeat here off 6 lb higher mark since and likely to be thereabouts once again.

Earlsmedic got back to winning ways at Kempton in August and ran a cracker when second there last time despite missing break/forced to challenge wide. Every chance of going one better here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Earlsmedic
2. Volcanic Dust
3. Alben Star

Timeform Verdict: A competitive handicap. Earlsmedic and Volcanic Dust both looked a little unlucky last time and could be the pair to focus on, the former just getting the nod. The lightly-raced Alben Star is also an interesting runner back from an absence, particularly if the market speaks in his favour.

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