TimeformBlog

Winstone didn't need to improve on his runner-up effort on hurdling debut at Musselburgh to get his trainer off the cold list earlier this month (2½m). Opening mark looks pretty stiff.

Lawgiver is inconsistent and hasn't won since April 2010. Added another runner-up effort to his CV in a weakly-contested handicap at Hexham on Sunday and remains one to oppose for the win.

Peedeeque improved when making winning debut for this yard in 19f Doncaster handicap in November. Creditable effort all 3 starts since, and return to 2¾m looks a good move.

Scriptwriter landed a couple of 2½m novice events at Sedgefield in 2011 for Howard Johnson, but regressed since joining this yard, going with little zest in the main.

Dawn Ride took advantage of much-reduced mark when landing a couple of Newcastle handicaps in recent weeks on testing ground. Took a crashing fall 15 days ago and lot depends on whether that's left its mark.

Angel Sun was runner-up on second of 3 starts in bumpers and filled same position on second attempt over hurdles at Sedgefield (17f) in November. Not seen since following month but this trip should suit.

Winning Habit won a point around a year ago, and left all previous efforts under Rules well behind when pulling clear with a rapid improver on last week's handicap. Likely he's some way ahead of his mark.

Layla's Boy was a moderate maiden on Flat and same story as a hurdler, with mistakes creeping in. That was very much in evidence at Uttoxeter last time, and work to do from this mark up in trip.

Whiskey Ridge has modest form in novice hurdles and of similar merit in handicap chases this season. Attitude also not the best, and easy enough to look elsewhere back over timber despite form of his stable.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Winning Habit
2. Angel Sun
3. Peedeeque

Timeform View: Winning Habit looked a long way ahead of his mark when pulling clear with a thriving sort in a steadily-run handicap last week, and he has to be the bet from the same mark. Angel Sun is a likely improver up in trip, with Peedeeque completing the shortlist.

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