TimeformBlog

Madam Macie is a front-running C&D winner who bounced back to form in face of market support when ½-lengths second to Solar Spirit on last month's reappearance. Every chance she'll be involved again.

Solar Spirit was back to best when edging out Madam Macie in C&D handicap last month. Consistency never really been his strong point, however, and he's been well held at Ripon since.

President Lincoln was temperamental for Aiden O'Brien and again showed quirky side when making winning start for new yard at Musselburgh, holding on despite hanging right. Might not get away with such antics here.

Levitate got off the mark at Leicester (6f) in August. Put couple of below-par runs behind him when neck second to No Poppy at Doncaster last time, though winner was idling and this looks more competitive.

Green Howard was largely progressive last year, winning his maiden here (6f) and rounding off season with pair of 7f handicap wins at Redcar. Lightly raced and could easily have more to come in 2012.

Klynch is a tactically versatile sort who scored 4 times early last season and back to form when second at Thirsk (7f) on Saturday, making most. Can take races in quick succession and sure to go well again.

Mingun Bell did reasonably well for this yard last season, placed 4 times before getting back to winning ways at Folkestone in September. Can go well fresh and starts season just 2 lb above winning mark.

Chookie Royale is a lightly-raced gelding who did well in handicaps last autumn, culminating with a ½-length defeat of Ducal (pair clear) at Wolverhampton in October. 5 lb rise for that fair and type to do well in 2012.

Gala Casino Star won twice for Richard Fahey last summer. Not discredited when seventh behind Media Hype on last month's return for new yard but all wins have come at 1m+. Cheekpieces on for just second time now.

Rio Cobolo made winning start for this yard at Southwell last spring and plenty of creditable placed efforts later in 2011. Not close to his best in 2 starts this year, though.

Dhhamaan is a C&D winner who enjoyed a productive 2011 campaign, making all to land a trio of 7f handicaps. Faces competition for early dominance on return, but won first time out in the past.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Klynch
2. Chookie Royale
3. Madam Macie

Timeform View: Quite a competitive look to this handicap. Klynch did really well at Thirsk at the weekend and gets the nod, though dangers abound, headed by Chookie Royale and Madam Macie.

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