TimeformBlog

Dee Ee Williams was a smart performer at his best, but reportedly finished distressed after the County Hurdle in March, so some training performance were he to give weight all round on return to action.

Sire de Grugy had a fine first season over hurdles, winning 3 times, including Kempton Grade 2. Better than ever second start back when fourth to Zarkandar at Newbury on Friday and obvious chance off 2 lb lower.

Higgy's Ragazzo took another step forward when chasing home stable-companion Lifestyle in 2m Kempton handicap over Christmas. Soft ground possibly against him last time, and still unexposed as a hurdler.

Edgardo Sol is a former French jumper who was soon on track for this stable, landing 2m handicap chase then hurdle in late autumn. Nothing wrong with latest third in hot Cheltenham handicap either, but up 4 lb for that.

Ski Sunday won 2m handicap hurdle at Kempton around a year ago for Lawney Hill and well treated on that form. Not close to that level over fences so far this term but return to hurdles could revive.

Dare Me was a smart bumper performer and created a good impression when winning pair of Exeter novice hurdles in 2010. Shaped quite well on last month's belated return, and sure to progress if remaining sound.

Highway Code progressed to post third handicap hurdle success at Exeter in December. However, needs to bounce back from poor display at Chepstow last time and this mark likely to prove beyond him.

Akula appreciated the drop to a less-competitive handicap when back to winning ways at Wetherby in December. Fit from a recent spin on AW, but hard to think he has anything in hand from revised mark.

Devil to Pay has shown plenty since sent handicapping over hurdles, winning both starts in 2010/2011 and plugged on well to take third on C&D reappearance last month. Expected to build on that.

Nampour was a useful hurdler for Philip Hobbs but ended 2010 in disappointing fashion. Never looked like landing a blow from a reduced mark on last month's reappearance for a new stable.

Drumshambo was better than ever when winning 15-runner event over C&D in December, and effort back here excused following a bad mistake. Races from just out of the weights, but not dismissed out of hand.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Dare Me
2. Sire de Grugy
3. Edgardo Sol

Timeform Verdict: Sire de Grugy is the obvious starting point following an excellent fourth in a hot Newbury handicap last week, but a chance is taken on the talented Dare Me instead following a fairly encouraging reappearance. Edgardo Sol is another to consider.

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