TimeformBlog

Fortification made a good start for this yard when winning at Exeter in November before taking third in Southern National. Lifeless display at Kempton last time, but not out of this if bouncing back.

Knighton Combe got back to form when landing Summer National at Uttoxeter (3½m) in June. Respectable effort in first-time visor latest, and may appreciate longer trip/better ground here.

Honourable Arthur's career took off when switched to fences and fitted with cheekpieces, landing hat-trick at Huntingdon (3m) in February. Bounced back to form with narrow win at Wincantion latest, so respected.

Leading Contender was a useful jumper in his prime and ran best race for some while when third off this mark in 3¼m handicap at Newbury in December, but below par in first-time cheekpieces last time.

Clash Duff was an Irish point winner and going right way under rules this winter, landing novice chase at Huntingdon (3m) latest. Further step up in trip likely to suit so respected in first-time cheekpieces.

Pak Jack gained first win in 6 years when scoring at Wetherby (25f) in February. Not returned form a break in any form, pulled up all three starts this winter. Plenty to prove for now.

Trigger The Light is a thorough stayer who isn't quite the force of old, though he came back to make a successful reappearance over C&D in December. Jumping often a problem, however, and below best here (25f) last time.

Kaybeew is lightly raced and made winning start over fences at Ffos Las (3m) in November. Just as good when second there the following month, but well below level of those runs on better ground last time.

Sandhurst signed off his time with Edgar Byrne with comprehensive win at Cartmel (3¼m) in June 2009, but unseated rider on comeback for new yard at Chepstow last month, and hard to know what ability remains.

Pacco responded well to blinkers last term, scoring twice on testing ground. Back to form in a visor when second at Ffos Las in January, but opposable under these conditions.

Cerium was a smart chaser in his pomp. Showed he retains some ability when sixth here (25f) penultimate start, but pulled up for third time in last 4 runs latest. Handicapper relenting but risky.

Lavenoak Lad is a C&D winner who was back to form when second to Honourable Arthur at Wincanton on Boxing Day, but disappointed last twice and faces stiff task from 4 lb out the handicap.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Clash Duff
2. Fortification
3. Honourable Arthur

Timeform View: Clash Duff isn't particularly well treated on his handicap debut given what he's achieved, but with the prospect of more to come over this longer trip he is taken to emerge on top. Fortification needs to bounce back from a poor effort, but would be of interest if the subject of support. Honourable Arthur can also make the frame.

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