TimeformBlog

13:10 - Kazlian had precious little to beat at Ffos Las last month, pulling further and further clear to win as he liked, and though this race is clearly tougher, there is no denying that he looks a good prospect. It is worth taking some insurance, however, and Tuscan Gold, a stayer with plenty of ability on the Flat, shaped well on his hurdling debut and looks a sure-fire improver.

13:40 - A fairly small field makes up leg two, and none of the participants make all that much appeal, so two selections are required. Edgebury won a handicap hurdle at Towcester in April, and ran up to that level at the first time of asking over fences. His safe jumping that day instils some confidence in his prospects for this afternoon. All three of Phar Again's wins have been recorded at this track and, although he has only one good effort to his name this term, a return to this venue could spark a change in fortune.

14:10 - Westlin' Winds goes in as the sole banker of the day. He has been below form on his latest two runs, showing signs of temperament in the process, but a big drop in class and the return of cheekpieces could sweeten him up and he has a fairly obvious chance of making the places.

14:40 - Kenaleck hinted at ability in bumpers and hurdles in 2010 when trained by Jessica Harrington, and won a point-to-point race at this sort of time last year. He is a bit of an unknown but, on debut for Tim Vaughan, is worth including in the 'pot over a trip which ought to suit. Call It On gained his first win over hurdles in May, and has held his form since, including on his chasing debut. He jumped soundly that day, and he has a solid chance of making the places with headgear now fitted.

15:10 - This sort of race will have been the undoing of many a placepot over the years, but selecting two of the three that have the most realistic chance will hopefully avoid us the embarrassment. Baile Anrai was pitched in at the deep end on his chasing debut, eventually falling in a Grade 2 at Wincanton. However, he made no mistake when getting off the mark over the larger obstacles next time at Towcester, and he ought to progress in this sphere. Soir d'Estruval shaped well on his own chasing debut at Folkestone before a lack of a recent run took its toll. He does have stamina for this trip to prove, but he should do better.

15:40 - A competitive final leg awaits if we have navigated a safe path up to this point, but two selections should be enough to see us across the line. Ruby Crown shaped particularly well on her belated seasonal reappearance at Uttoxeter in November, making good headway before lack of fitness showed. She didn't quite confirm that promise on her next start in a lady amateurs race, but is worth another chance to show herself well treated, being just 3 lb higher than her last winning mark, with Jason Maguire taking over in the saddle. Playing With Fire is a winner over both hurdles and fences, but has often been let down by her jumping. A return to the smaller obstacles could play to her advantage and she has at least been consistent of late.

Selections
13:10 - 8, 9
13:40 - 4, 5
14:10 - 2
14:40 - 2, 4
15:10 - 1, 3
15:40 - 1, 2
= 32 lines

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