TimeformBlog

Overturn is a high-class hurdler who was as good as ever in that sphere when runner-up in the Champion Hurdle in March. Made all in this race last year, and even better in defeat after. Set to go well again.

Barbican proved a revelation last year having been unraced for Aidan O'Brien, winning 6 times including a listed race on final start of 2011. Not as good in 2 starts this year, though, and stamina to prove.

Tominator improved form when landing Northumberland Plate in June and creditable efforts after, career-best fourth at Doncaster in September. Has run well here but will need luck held up from low draw.

Eternal Heart was progressive in 2011, winning 3 times. Back with battling success in minor event at Doncaster (1½m) and creditable sixth of 9 in listed company since, but vulnerable to better handicapped rivals.

Ajaan is not the most straightforward, despite fairly consistent profile. Only beaten a neck in this race in 2009 but more recent evidence suggests he's up against it from wide draw.

Address Unknown won pair of minor events and third in listed company last season for Dermot Weld. Not in same form in 2 starts for this yard last month, though reapplication of headgear may help.

Kiama Bay progressed well last year. Completed hat-trick in handicaps over 1½m here in June and mostly creditable efforts in defeat after. Well held on reappearance, though, and stamina in question.

Gulf of Naples has shown signs of temperament but plenty of ability, landing 2m Newmarket handicap on final 2011 start. Improved again to win at Ripon (2m) latest and likely more to come, but wide draw a negative.

Never Can Tell was successful 3 of last 4 starts in 2011, making all twice here and in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2¼m). Could be more to come this year and clearly got plenty going for her.

Mystery Star was third on reappearance in this race last year from 2 lb higher mark/wide draw, but struggled for consistency thereafter. Ability to go well fresh is a positive but again drawn wide.

Merchant of Dubai made fair start to 2011 campaign but not in top form after, despite creditable third in November handicap. Twice placed over hurdles this winter and on a fair mark, but others make more appeal.

Kazbow is lightly raced for his age and improved in 2011, following 1¾m Doncaster win with better efforts in defeat next twice. Last of 33 in Cesarewitch when last seen, and makes debut for new yard here.

Il De Re was useful in France up to 2m, and won on debut for Ian Williams in August. Found life tougher after but won twice over hurdles this winter for new yard and arrives fit from that sphere.

Harrison's Cave progressed well last year, winning Curragh maiden and Navan handicap. Encouraging reappearance at Leopardstown (1¾m) last month, and interesting contender up in trip.

Dazinski was better than ever when battling on gamely to get back on the scoreboard at York (2m) in August. Below par final 2011 start, but has won here and can go well fresh, so not dismissed from stall 1.

Shubaat is a lightly-raced gelding who showed improved form when landing a 1¾m Musselburgh handicap on reappearance last month. That form has been boosted since and leading claims from good draw.

Timeform Verdict
1. Shubaat
2. Never Can Tell
3. Overturn

Timeform View: The lightly-raced Shubaat won decisively on his reappearance, form that is working out, and he remains open to more improvement, so he is taken to land this valuable prize from a good draw. Never Can Tell has plenty in her favour and may prove the biggest danger, ahead of last year's winner, the admirable Overturn.

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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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Big Wave (14:40) looks by far the least exposed of the six runners that go to post for the second race of the afternoon at Lingfield, and he should be able to follow up his Yarmouth victory with another win here. Big Wave looks potentially well treated on his handicap debut after impressing in a maiden last time out, racing freely in the early stages before showing improvement to quicken clear over a furlong out. His rivals don't quite match up to his standard this afternoon, and the jockey booking of Richard Hughes (38% strike rate when teaming up with Jane Chapple-hyam in the last five seasons) makes him a solid selection.

The 15:00 at Musselburgh looks to be between Le Chat d'Or and Nadeen, both of whom were last time out winners, but slight preference is for the former who, despite being considered 1 lb inferior based on Timeform ratings, should be capable of seeing off his main rival. Michael Dods' four-year-old gelding has very little mileage on the clock and the first time-tongue-tie brought about a fair amount of improvement when last seen and, with that equipment deployed once again here, he can continue on an upward curve. The step up in trip to a mile should bring about further progression, and Le Chat d'Or rates as bet of the day material.

Hi There (16:00) is expected to come on for his reappearance at Beverley and, if able to do so, he appeals as the most likely solution to a tricky-looking handicap this afternoon. That was his first start since being gelded and there is every reason to believe there will be more to come from this individual, with the slightly shorter trip also likely to suit judging by the way he shaped last time. This will only be Hi There's second start for Richard Fahey and, with the stable in decent form of late, Hi There strikes as another who can add to their list of success.

Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Big Wave @ 2.58 in the 14:40 at Lingfield
Back Le Chat d'Or @ 5.1 in the 15:00 at Musselburgh
Back Hi There @ 5.1 in the 16:00 at Musselburgh

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Electrolyser generally struggled in pattern company last year despite running respectably, and similar story in Dubai this winter. Back to winning ways in Nottingham listed race latest, but bit more needed.

Red Cadeaux took a step forward when hammering rivals in Curragh Group 3 (1¾m) in June, and similar level of form when placed in Melbourne Cup (beaten in photo)/Hong Kong Vase. Leading player back in Group 3.

Barbican proved a revelation last year having been unraced for Aidan O'Brien, winning 6 times including a listed race here on final start. Not as good at this trip at Meydan latest, but needs considering.

Colour Vision's third win of 2011 in 2¼m Pontefract minor event in October. Better than ever when third in Cesarewitch and then placed in Ascot Group 3. More to come and respected on debut for new yard.

Solar Sky stepped up on maiden success with creditable second in Queen's Vase at Royal meeting, and ended campaign with listed third back at Ascot. Solid reappearance behind Electrolyser, but more needed.

Thimaar won 1½m Newmarket maiden in July, but improved stepped up to 2m when taking Ascot handicap on final 2011 outing. Gelded over winter and improved again to win C&D handicap latest. More to come.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Colour Vision
2. Red Cadeaux
3. Thimaar

Timeform Verdict: Red Cadeaux sets the standard on form and should go well, but narrow preference is for Colour Vision, who did very well for a 3-y-o in tough staying races for Mark Johnston at the back end of last season, and there could be more to come from him this year. It would also be no surprise to see Thimaar acquit himself well stepping out of handicap company.

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Al Khaleej is smart at best and signs that he still retained most of his ability last year. This an easier race than he's contested for a while and has gone well fresh in past. Heavy ground an unknown, though.

Noble Citizen has run quite a few good races at Ascot, ending a losing run over 6f there last July. On a fair mark but testing ground a major concern (raced mainly on good or firmer).

Mawaakef's best effort for this yard when runner-up at Southwell (1m) in February, but overall profile far from convincing, beaten 19½ lengths into third under similar conditions at Sandown on Saturday.

Space Station was back to best in 7f Epsom handicap in June, landing race for second successive year. Below par on last month's return but usual blinkers back in place now and better expected. Is proven in mud.

Triple Charm progressed to win 3 times since autumn and not disgraced in fourth over 6f at Kempton last time. Return to 7f will suit and much less exposed than rest of these. Ground an unknown, though.

Rigoletto posted some solid efforts in competitive handicaps last season. Does go in the mud but seemingly hasn't returned in top form, not close to his best when third of 4 at Brighton last week.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Space Station
2. Triple Charm
3. Al Khaleej

Timeform View: Triple Charm is sure to be popular but the ground is an unknown and it may be worth opposing her with Space Station, who will handle the conditions and should be sharper for last month's reappearance.

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Sacrosanctus found plenty when gaining fourth win of 2011 over 6f at Newmarket in August. Didn't show much over 6f here on reappearance a month ago, and may need a few more runs to hit full stride.

Sea Solider has raced solely on turf, and off the mark at the fourth attempt in maidens over this trip at Warwick in June. Unable to dominate big field at Doncaster final 3-y-o start and drawn wide on return.

Dubarshi ended 2-y-o campaign on the up with a brace of 7f AW wins. Missed all of 2011, but returned better than ever with a strong-travelling second to Ducal over C&D. Of interest from stall 1.

Ducal was steadily progressive for Sir Mark Prescott and has continued the good work for this stable, landing back-to-back C&D contests last month. Latest 3 lb rise very fair so leading claims again.

Tevez is a hold-up performer who gained one of 2 wins in 2011 over C&D. Plenty of solid efforts in defeat this time round, but does need a fair bit to go his way.

Titan Triumph is a seven-time Lingfield winner, most recently over this trip around a month ago. Ran poorly there 3 weeks later, and balance of form at this venue makes him easy enough to oppose from a wide draw.

Esprit de Midas won for David Nicholls in a Carlisle claimer in August. Shaped well in handicaps both starts the following month, and has a lower AW mark to now try and exploit for new yard.

The Guru of Gloom was unraced at 2 yrs but quickly made up for lost time in 2011 with a hat-trick of wins, the last 2 coming on the AW. Suited by strong pace over C&D when last seen, and now 4 lb higher.

Cape Rock has just the 2 wins to his name, the second of which coming over this C&D in June 2010. Missed all of last year, and though back on a good mark, connections reach for a hood on belated return.

Intercept made a successful if rather belated debut over C&D in September. Only matched that level once from 4 handicap starts since (fourth to Ducal back here) and others look more solid. Hood fitted.

Kakapuka has nver been the easiest to predict, but better than ever when scoring over C&D in September. Stamina stetched on occasions since (including reappearance) and this should reveal more. Drawn wide.

Konstantin was a totally different proposition in handicaps last year, winning 3 times in all, upping his game considerably for the last 2 in August. Not seen since, but type to go on progressing.

Street Power was prolific in 2009 and ended losing run in good style over C&D last month. Shaped as if still in good nick here 6 days later (met trouble) and still well treated on old form.

Aldermoor was fitted with a visor and wasted no time returning to form when powering home in the final of the Sprint Series at Lingfield in February. Absent since, and up 6 lb in a better race back over 7f.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Ducal
2. Dubarshi
3. Konstantin

Timeform View: Konstantin should have more to offer this year, but in Ducal he meets a fit and in-form rival, who is taken to confirm the placings with Dubarshi and complete a C&D hat-trick.

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Hurricane Fly is an outstanding hurdler who has won on 12 of his 15 starts (including this race last term). Not at best when third to Rock On Ruby in Champion Hurdle last time, but still the one to beat here.

The Real Article is a very smart hurdler who won 3 times before turn of year, including Grade 2 WKD Hurdle at Down Royal. Below form on last 2 starts, though, and must improve to trouble the principals.

Thousand Stars is a high-class hurdler who won French Champion Hurdle in June prior to landing Morgiana Hurdle here in November. Back to best when second to Oscar Whisky at Aintree last time and respected.

Zaidpour was successful on his first 4 starts this term prior to finishing eighth to Rock On Ruby in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last time. Very smart sort, but looks destined for minor honours here.

Quevega is a very smart mare who has landed the last 4 renewals of the David Nicholson Mares hurdle at Cheltenham and the last 2 runnings of the World Series Hurdle here. Engaged 17:30 here yesterday.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Hurricane Fly
2. Thousand Stars
3. Zaidpour

Timeform View: A small field and the outstanding Hurricane Fly is a confident selection to resume winning ways, having been below-par in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last time. Thousand Stars is taken to once again chase home his illustrious stable-mate and Zaidpour can complete a 1-2-3 for Willie Mullins.

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Blackstairmountain is a Grade 1 novice winner over hurdles who achieved same feat over fences at Leopardstown in December. Below form both starts since and stamina could easily be stretched given the conditions.

First Lieutenant was a dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles and better than ever when second in RSA
Chase at Cheltenham last time, clear of the rest. Good form claims but drops a full 1m in trip here which is a worry.

Lucky William is a triple winner over fences this term and took form to new level when scoring in 17f handicap at Fairyhouse last time. This doesn't look a particularly strong affair and he's respected.

Menorah was verging on high-class over hurdles and ran up to a similar level when taking Grade 1 novice over 2½m at Aintree last time. Still has room for improvement in jumping department but a major player.

Nearest The Pin is still a maiden over fences, but has shown a useful level of form and had excuses when only sixth at Navan last time. Best form has come away from soft/heavy ground, though.

Regal d'Estruval is a fluent jumper who opened account over fences when making all in 2m Tramore maiden in October, but has failed to build on that since and looks out of his depth here.

Kumbeshwar has shown useful form all 7 starts over fences, successful at Hereford and Plumpton and in frame all other outings, including big-field handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree. Can't be ruled out.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Lucky William
2. Menorah
3. First Lieutenant

Timeform View: The pair who set the standard both have questions to answer, First Lieutenant dropped markedly in trip and Menorah still prone to the odd mistake, also unproven on ground this testing. That could leave the way clear for a surprise and Lucky William fits the bill after an improved effort last time.

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Apt Approach has taken his form up a notch this season, winning 3 times up to 3m, including Grade 2 at Thurles. Failed to fire over Grand National fences last time but out of depth here in any case.

Bostons Angel landed trio of Grade 1s as a novice, including narrow success in RSA Chase at Cheltenham, but not hit same heights this time around, also hinting at temperament in headgear of late.

Captain Chris was last season's Arkle winner and even better this time around, third in King George and fourth in Ryanair. Step back up in trip and return to right-handed track should suit, and he's respected.

Follow the Plan won corresponding race last term (left clear at last) and notched third Grade 1 success at Aintree last time tried in cheekpieces. A reproduction of that would see him there or thereabouts.

Magnanimity was not far off the best novice chasers in 2010/11, fourth in RSA at Cheltenham, but has proved more miss than hit this time around and didn't impress with his finishing effort penultimate start.

Noble Prince has stepped up on novice form this season, winning Grade 3 at Naas prior to twice chasing home Big Zeb. Went as if amiss in Ryanair last time, though, and barely stayed 3m over hurdles.

Quantitativeeasing has compiled a good record in valuable handicaps this term, showing very smart form when scoring at Cheltenham in December. Bit disappointing last time but this looks a weak Grade 1 so place claims.

Quel Esprit has been successful on all 4 completed starts over fences and was completing the hat-trick when taking Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown last time, making most and jumping well. Leading player.

Roberto Goldback put up a solid effort in blinkers when chasing home Quel Esprit in Irish Hennessy in February, but well beaten both starts since and very hard to see him playing a prominent role here.

Rubi Light looked as good as ever when making all in John Durkan at Punchestown and Red Mills Chase at Gowran this term, form that gives him solid claims. Didn't convince with stamina for 3m in Lexus, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Quel Esprit
2. Captain Chris
3. Rubi Light

Timeform Verdict: Quel Esprit is the only runner in the field who looks on an upward curve, and he already boasts some of the best form on offer, so he's an obvious selection. Captain Chris will be a big threat provided his jumping holds up, while Rubi Light should give a bold sight for a long way but may not see things out fully at this trip.

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Big Zeb is a top-class chaser who won the Queen Mother at Cheltenham in 2009/10. Beat Sizing Europe in this race last year but has finished behind that rival on his last 2 starts. Similar scenario envisaged here.

Captain Cee Bee is a high-class chaser who finished 2010/11 with a good third to Big Zeb in this corresponding race. Narrowly won Grade 3 hurdle in July but not seen since the Galway Hurdle later that month.

China Rock is a very smart chaser who has shaped better than result would suggest on his last 2 starts, tying up quite badly in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham last time. Looks vulnerable back at the minimum trip.

Gauvain has won twice this term, including the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon in December, but finished a long way behind both Sizing Europe and Big Zeb last time. Hard to see him reversing that form.

Realt Dubh had an excellent novice chase campaign last term, 3-time winner of Grade 1s and placed in as many contests at that level. Well held on belated return at Cheltenham and has plenty on his plate again.

Sizing Europe has been as good as ever this season, easily landing Tingle Creek before beating Big Zeb in Tied Cottage here. Lost nothing in defeat at Cheltenham last time (arguably unlucky) and should be hard to beat.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Sizing Europe
2. Big Zeb
3. Gauvain

Timeform View: Sizing Europe has got the better of Big Zeb on both occasions that they have met this season and is expected to do so again here. Gauvain is chosen to follow that pair home.

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