TimeformBlog

Hurricane Higgins made successful debut on polytrack in early 2011 but temperament has become increasingly suspect and passed over here, for all that he posted a sound effort at Newmarket last time.

The Betchworth Kid is a hold-up sort who captured Nottingham listed race last spring. Failed to reproduce that level of form in 5 subsequent Flat starts in 2011, though, and looks vulnerable here.

Address Unknown won a pair of minor events and third in listed company last season for Dermot Weld. Not in same form in 3 starts for new yard, including when well held in Chester Cup (visored) and hard to fancy.

Merchant of Dubai made a fair start to 2011 campaign but not in top form after, despite creditable third in November Handicap. Tailed off on return in the Chester Cup last month and best to look elsewhere.

Deauville Flyer was successful twice at up to 2m here in 2010, and back on the scoresheet when dead-heating at Pontefract on return in April. Failed to trouble the judge back here since and now tried in cheekpieces.

Constant Contact's highlight of 2011 campaign was win in 1¼m Kempton handicap for Andrew Balding. Successful over hurdles in April and decent effort back on the Flat at Hamilton last month.

Qahriman was progressive in 2011, successful in 1½m Ffos Las maiden, and shaped well when 1¼ lengths second to Star Commander on return at Chester (13.5f) last month. Up 3 lb, but has to be respected.

Lordofthehouse was a much-improved handicapper in 2011, winning 3 times, and gained recompense for near miss on return at Thirsk when decisively landing 2m handicap at Haydock 13 days ago. 6 lb rise looks fair.

Local Hero is a useful hurdler and improved effort on first Flat start for 19 months when second in hot Newmarket handicap last month. Chased home Grumeti at Ascot (1½m) since and stiffer test here will help.

Persian Peril held form well in 2011 and produced a career-best when scoring at Hamilton (13f) early last month. However, well held here since and probably in the grip of the handicapper now.

Bridle Belle won twice from 4 starts at 2 yrs and landed 1½m Ripon handicap decisively in July. Creditable 2 lengths sixth of 15 to Easy Tems here last time, but stamina may be stretched upped to this trip.

Smokey Oakey is a former Lincoln winner, but only win since 2008 came in an Aintree novice hurdle last June. Missed 2011 Flat season and 3 starts in this sphere since the turn of the year haven't been inspiring.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Qahriman
2. Lordofthehouse
3. Local Hero

Timeform View: There could be more to come from Qahriman and, with Ryan Moore doing the steering, he is taken to see off Lordofthehouse and Local Hero.

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