TimeformBlog

Teenage Idol has been let down by sketchy jumping in the past, but not doing much wrong at present, better than ever when winning at Ayr last time. 8 lb rise to overcome now, though.

Cygnet gained his third hurdles win of campaign when beating Geneva Geyser at Uttoxeter in September, but not been in same form since.

Distime is a point/bumper winner. Wasted no time building on promising debut second in this sphere when going one better at Bangor (17f) in November and more to come back up in trip on handicap bow.

Shadows Lengthen is a six-time AW Flat winner who opened jumps account in 19f novice at Catterick in February. Further improvement when winning at Doncaster last time and remains of interest.

Allow Me made the frame all starts prior to getting off the mark in 2½m maiden at Musselburgh in November. Only seventh from stiff opening mark last time, though, and only 1 lb lower now.

Shifting Gold was fit from the Flat when making winning return over hurdles at Sedgefield (2½m). Good third at same track next time, but underlined inconsitency when below form last 2 starts.

Danceintothelight was twice successful last term and sound transition to handicaps when in frame 2 of first 3 starts this season. Took crunching fall last time, however, and hard to support on the back of that.

Vintage Star was placed on all 3 starts in bumpers before making a successful hurdles debut at Carlisle in November. Good efforts next 2 starts and return to further will suit.

Whisky Magic was a front-running hurdler for Howard Johnson, won handicap at Carlisle in 2009. Shaped as if amiss on return, however, and others more solid.

Sam Lord is an ungenuine sort who has crept down to a good mark, but hasn't shown enough of late to think he's ready to take advantage.

Knight Valliant improved when bagging a couple of handicaps last season and better than ever when second in C&D event in November. Trip too far next time and not dismissed.

Amir Pasha further enhanced his course record when landing 2m handicap here on New Year's Day. Longer trip no problem and can make presence felt despite 6 lb rise.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Distime
2. Shadows Lengthen
3. Amir Pasha

Timeform View: The unexposed Distime seems to have got in lightly on his handicap bow and makes plenty of appeal. Shadows Lengthen and Amir Pasha head the dangers.

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