TimeformBlog

West Coast Dream won 2 Irish handicaps last spring for Andrew Oliver. Best effort for new yard when neck second to Cadeaux Pearl at Kempton, but since failed miserably to cope with switch to this surface.

Mottley Crewe has improved on the AW since fitted with blinkers in recent months, including 4 times runner-up in C&D handicaps. However, beaten at long odds-on in a seller last time which has to be a worry.

Baby Strange was as consistent as ever last year and plenty to like about recent Lingfield return when finishing off his race well. Previous runs here came to nothing, but is on a fair mark and is still feared.

Cadeaux Pearl dropped in the weights and bounced back to best over C&D in December, then followed up in Kempton handicap by neck from West Coast Dream. Had valid excuse for lesser effort here since so respected.

Haajes's highlight of 2011 campaign came when nabbing 21-runner handicap at Doncaster in September. Has form on this surface, though normally needs comeback run, and inexperienced rider booked.

Ghostwing has returned to form of late, cashing in on declining mark over C&D in January. Hard to explain why he's run so poorly twice since, but still big player if getting his act back together in refitted visor.

Sir Geoffrey is a speedy sort who is best on AW and at this trip. Unable to lead at Lingfield last time and behind second-home Mottley Crewe over C&D prior to that. Opposed on that basis.

Waking Warrior was a maiden C&D scorer as a juvenile, but that remains his sole win and, despite further help from the handicapper, is hard to recommend unless the market speaks in his favour on return to action.

Fair Passion won twice in 2011 and even better this year when too strong for 8 rivals at Kempton penultimate start. Not at best 5 days later, but did win her maiden around here so couldn't rule out.

Monsieur Jamie goes best around here, winning twice over C&D last year, first of them 12 months ago. Yet to fire this time around, though, hence difficult to be confident about at present.

Six Wives is a sturdy mare who won five times in 2011, latest coming over C&D in December. Not quite operating at the same level since, the handicapper looking just about in charge.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Baby Strange
2. Fair Passion
3. Ghostwing

Timeform Verdict: Derek Shaw could have a big say in the outcome of this via Baby Strange and Fair Passion, with preference going to the former. If a refitted visor gets Ghostwing back on song he could also make his presence felt.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/