TimeformBlog

Suits Me is a veteran handicapper who was successful over C&D last summer off a 9 lb lower mark and also runner-up in September. Not at best in Dubai the last twice, but does have conditions to suit.

Beaumont's Party took form to a new level when running away with Chester handicap in May and some good efforts subsequently. Been disappointing over hurdles for this yard though, and others preferred.

Deauville Flyer was successful twice at up to 2m at York in 2010, and he ran just as well last year without winning. Likely to find this an insufficient test on his seasonal reappearance.

Northside Prince was a winner over C&D on way to landing hat-trick in 2010 and ran better than form suggests last season. Disappointed sole start over hurdles this winter, but can go well fresh and looks on a handy mark.

Kinyras progressed well last year, winning Windsor maiden and 11f Goodwood handicap in game style for Sir Michael Stoute. Sold for 47,000 gns and gelded since his last run. Market will guide.

Las Verglas Star improved a chunk in handicaps last year, winning for second time at Haydock (1m) in June. Good efforts in frame last 3 starts up to this trip and unlikely to be lacking sharpness on return.

Mirrored took advantage of handicapper's mercy when scoring at Doncaster on return 12 months ago. Often better than bare result afterwards and can clearly go well fresh. Couldn't discount.

Splendid Light has a very smart middle-distance pedigree, and encouraging fourth in 1m Newmarket maiden in October 2010. Ready winner at Kempton on belated return last month and type to do better in handicaps.

Reve de Nuit has been lightly raced since 1m Southwell handicap win in January 2011, but looked back to very best when third of 8 at Lingfield last month. Not so good on turf though.

Licence To Till was twice successful in 2011 and back to best returned to polytrack when runner-up over 1¼m at Kempton last month. Good run latest, but better on the AW and others more persuasive.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Mirrored
2. Splendid Light
3. Suits Me

Timeform Verdict: Mirrored won on his seasonal reappearance 12 months ago and he can repeat the dose in 2012. Splendid Light is open to improvement after just 2 starts and should go close on his handicap debut, whilst Suits Me can reach the frame.


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Sulis Minerva was a generally progressive sort during the winter, winning twice at Lingfield (6f). Rounded off campaign with solid effort at same track in competitive affair. Trip and ground fine and shortlisted.

Drawnfromthepast has got back to form, albeit at lower level, now reunited with former yard. Returns to turf on very lenient mark compared to Bath success last summer. Ground/trip no problem and one to consider seriously.

Haadeeth made a successful debut for new yard when all out to land Lingfield handicap in February, and close second there last time. Ground no problem (though yet to win turf) but others speedier for 5f.

Clear Praise is a Kempton specialist who failed to translate AW form to turf last year, but back to winning ways at Kempton (6f) in February. Unproven on ground and very best for at 6f. Others hold stronger claims.

Triple Dream is a tough and consistent gelding who has held his form well during the winter over 5f. Equally consistent on turf, goes well on fast ground and likely to give his running again.

Black Baccara was back to form when landing Kempton handicap in March, equally as good under penalty next time. C&D winner, but unlikely to get easy lead, and has to defy career-high mark. Engaged 17.30 Wolverhampton Wednesday.

Scarlet Rocks is an inconsistent filly who found life tough in late 2011 for new connections. Effective at 5f/6f and on variety of ground. Rejoins old yard, and potentially well treated.

Wreningham is a front runner who was generally consistent in low-grade AW handicaps during the winter, and returned from break with solid enough efforts of late. Unlikely to get his own way in front, and out of handicap.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Drawnfromthepast
2. Sulis Minerva
3. Triple Dream

Timeform Verdict: A fiendishly difficult sprint handicap to assess, and plenty of pace on. The answer could lie with Drawnfromthepast who has returned to winning ways for the switch back to Jamie Osborne and competes off a 10 lb lower mark than his turf win at Bath last summer. The progressive Sulis Minerva and consistent Triple Dream appear best of the rest.

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Russian Flag won twice over fences last season, and now 4 lb below last winning mark, but been struggling in various disciplines this season, and leap of faith required. Wears first-time cheekpieces.

Fix The Rib is a front runner who gained last win in 2009. Showed ability remains when third at Kempton (2½m) in January but ran badly last twice, including at Ascot on Sunday. Cheekpieces tried.

Jaffonnien has not won since landing bumper on debut way back in 2008, but better effort on first chase start for this yard when runner-up at Hereford last month (raced keenly), and claims if building on that.

Mister Matt got back on track returned to handicap company in July with 2 chase wins at Uttoxeter. Not in same form after, and likely to face competition for lead, but not dismissed if rejuvenated by break.

Carleton Place's best effort over fences when scoring on fast ground at Uttoxeter (2m) last summer. Struggled since, and below form first 2 starts for this yard, so more needed.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Jaffonnien
2. Mister Matt
3. Fix The Rib

Timeform View: All 5 runners arrive with questions of one sort or another to answer, but Jaffonnien at least comes here on the back of a solid recent run, and could yet to do a bit better for this yard, so is taken to get the better of Mister Matt.

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The Hollinwell is a useful staying chaser at best and landed Southwell jumpers' bumper penultimate start. Let down by jumping at Cheltenham latest and has temperament issues, but is on a dangerous mark.

Rey Nacarado has continued his progression over fences this term, runner-up to Giles Cross at Fontwell (3½m) before winning at Newbury (3¼m) in December. Pulled up at Haydock latest, but claims if bouncing back

Bellflower Boy won 4 times in 2010/11 and further improvement with hurdling wins at Warwick in December/January (25f). Not discredited at Cheltenham latest, and potentially well treated returning to fences.

Chamirey Dual chase winner in early-2011, but done little this season aside from a very muddling second in a cross-country event at Cheltenham in December, folding tamely and well beaten in recent starts.

Night In Milan is a quirky sort who has made the frame on all 4 chase outings, best effort coming at Newcastle (3m) penultimate start. Not as good last time, but needs considering despite having stamina to prove.

Heez A Steel is not the most fluent of jumpers but managed fifth in 2011 Scottish National. Potentially thrown in now, and signs of a revival at Ayr penultimate start (unseated latest).

Belmore Baron was a lightly-raced novice hurdler who immediately showed improved form on chase debut when winning 27f handicap here recently. Not most straightforward, but clearly open to improvement over fences.

Esme Rides A Gaine is a moody sort who won handicap here (27f) this time last year. Running consistently this season, placed on last 4 starts, but hard to fancy from 19 lb out of the weights.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Bellflower Boy
2. Rey Nacarado
3. Belmore Baron

Timeform View: Bellflower Boy has improved markedly over hurdles recently, and it looks worth chancing that he can do the same from a tempting mark back over fences. Ray Nacardo and Belmore Baron are also respected.

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Hamoody established himself as a useful handicapper in the last few seasons, winning over 5f at Goodwood in July 2010. Restricted to just 6 runs last year, and entitled to need this on reappearance.

Fast Shot was much improved when landing 3 6f handicaps last summer, including here, and ended the year with a career best at Catterick. Starts this term 23 lb above last season's opening mark.

Arganil is a lazy sort who has been expensive to follow since Southwell success back in January 2011. Not as effective on turf, but has a lower mark to exploit and can go well fresh.

Able Master was a pretty smart performer for Bryan Smart in 2009 but been in decline for a good while. Allowed to leave Jeremy Gask on the cheap, but very much the sort his new yard excels with.

Mr Optimistic added to brace of AW wins in 2 turf handicaps around this time last year. Unable to continue the good work as season progressed, but just 1 lb above last winning mark on return to action.

Klynch is a tactically versatile handicapper who won 4 times last season. Ended the year out of sorts, but dropped to a good mark as a result, and fared best of those held up on recent return at Southwell.

Red Cape is effective at trips ranging from 5f-1m, and added another 2 more AW wins to his CV at the back end of 2011. Below form both starts on that surface this year and while since he won off mark this high.

Toby Tyler is a hold-up performer who can number a C&D success among 6 victories last season, signing off with a win in October. Looked in need of recent reappearance and better expected now.

Whozthecat was winless in 2011, but can boast some pretty strong placed efforts in handicaps, and has dropped to a tempting mark. Can also go well fresh, so more interesting than most.

Caranbola responded well to more patient tactics when regaining winning thread at Beverley (5f) in August. 3 solid efforts when last seen the following month, but hard to think she has anything in hand.

Another Citizen was a different horse upon first being fitted with cheekpieces, scoring impressively at Ayr in August. Took backward steps all 3 starts since, and opposable on return with no headgear on.

Dickie le Davoir is a habitual slow starter who bagged career win number 16 in 6f claimer at Southwell in January. Mixed bag since and opposable on balance despite return to turf.

Solar Spirit needed drop to a claimer to open account for present yard in July, but also runner-up twice in handicaps the following 2 months. Tactically versatile, but this looks too competitive on return.

Arry's Orse was the winner of 6f AW maiden on his second start back in 2010, but last season's handicap efforts were disappointing. Has since left Bryan Smart but joined another good yard and may yet come good.

Tabaret was twice successful in sprint handicaps at Doncaster in 2010, but in rapid decline last season, and easy to oppose on return from 6 lb out of the weights.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Whozthecat
2. Arry's Orse
3. Able Master

Timeform Verdict: Both Arry's Orse and Able Master are interesting for different reasons on debuts for respected trainers, but Whozthecat goes well fresh and has dropped to a good mark so he gets the nod. Klynch is another to consider.

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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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Pure Faith is a dual chase winner who was likely flattered behind Albertas Run in October. Showed little enthusiasm over fences after break latest, and opposable returned to hurdles despite 2 past C&D wins.

Decoy landed a 21f Cheltenham handicap on his return, with the blinkers and stiffer test seeing him shrug off 6-month absence. Good second next time, and shaped encouragingly over 3m at Doncaster latest. Respected.

Rio Gael has been more compliant in recent starts, back to best when recording second chase win at Fontwell (2¼m) in September. Stamina stretched last twice, and again vulnerable to stronger stayers at this trip.

Mountainous has been progressive in 4 starts here, including pair of handicap wins at up to this trip in recent months (heavy). Respectable effort in hot Ascot handicap last time, and well worth considering.

William Hogarth was more willing than usually the case when winning over 3m here in August. In poor form in 4 starts since, though, looking most ungenuine recently.

Lava Lamp has filled frame all 7 starts since opening account at Plumpton last April, best effort yet when winning over C&D after break recently. 7 lb rise looks fair, and looks a leading player.

Persian Snow was useful in bumpers last season, impressively winning on debut. Didn't improve on Sandown second to open hurdling account at Huntingdon last time, but not ruled out on handicap debut

Hills of Aran showed he retains some ability when twice placed in hunters in recent months, but hard to support back over hurdles after sulky display in Midlands National recently.

Glenstal Abbey was a useful hurdler/chaser at best for Charlie Swan, and respectable efforts in this headgear combination over the smaller obstacles the last twice, but needs to find extra.

Supreme de Paille was a winning hurdler for Nigel Twiston-Davies and off mark over fences at Huntindon in November. A fragile sort, though, and below par the last twice. Others preferred returned to hurdling.

Secret Dancer landed a gamble in Uttoxeter maiden in 2009 and the money was also down when good third in 2½m Cheltenham handicap last April. Well held all 3 starts this season, but one to note in betting.

Tickatack was bought for £24,000 after Irish point win last spring, and improved over hurdles since sent handicapping, winning at Southwell before good second at Newbury earlier this month. Worth considering

Taffy Thomas won maiden hurdle here (2m) in January 2010, and generally held form after. Returned from long absence and shaped nicely when fourth at Exeter earlier this month. Claims if building on that.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Lava Lamp
2. Mountainous
3. Decoy

Timeform View: A competitive handicap in which a few could still be better than their current marks, but narrow preference is for Lava Lamp, who put up a likeable performance over C&D last time, and could have more to come. Mountainous and Decoy are feared most among the various dangers.

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Champion jockey Paul Hanagan has made a good start to his career as Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's retained jockey, but among his rides at Kempton tonight, he teams up with his old boss Richard Fahey on handicap debutante Lady Mandy (18.10). A third-place showing on debut was the best that Lady Mandy achieved in a trio of six-furlong turf maidens as a juvenile, but with a pedigree that screams middle-distances, she is expected to leave those efforts behind stepped up to a mile and a quarter for her reappearance. An opening BHA rating of 48 looks very inviting, and it is notable that she is the sole runner that trainer Richard Fahey sends down from his base in Malton.

Jockey Jim Crowley is operating at a 24% strike rate at Kempton since the turn of the year, and he looks to hold strong claims of bolstering that record even further with Unlimited in the seven-furlong claimer (19.10). Although a ten-year-old, Tony Carroll's charge showed that he still has life left in him, returning to form when third in a Wolverhampton seller 11 days ago. Suited by a strong gallop at tthis evening's trip, a scenario that looks on the cards with the presence of two potential front-runners, Unlimited emerges at the best horse at the weights and looks capable of making a bold bid to return to winning ways.

The third and final selection, and perhaps the best bet of the day comes half an hour later in the shape of the John Gosden trained Splendid Light (19.40). A well-bred individual hailing from the family of Yorkshire Oaks heroine My Emma, Splendid Light was surrounded by future winners when a highly encouraging fourth on his debut at Newmarket back in October 2010. Things obviously haven't gone to plan since, as the son of Selkirk failed to make the track as a three-year-old, but it seems significant that connections have elected to keep this George Strawbridge owned gelding in training, and he can start making up for lost time by shedding his maiden tag tonight.

Back Lady Mandy @ 4.6 in the 18.10
Back Unlimited @ 4.1 in the 19.10
Back Splendid Light @ 2.38 in the 19.40

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Dukes Art was fair on the Flat up to 1m for James Toller and some promise when sixth on hurdles debut here over 17f in December. Not so good both starts since, and this trip not sure to suit now handicapping.

Woodlark Island is a winning hurdler/chaser who took advantage of a reduced mark with headgear back on (well backed) at Wincanton earlier this month. Remains on a good mark despite a 7 lb rise.

Jackers had been off 19 months but well backed when landing 2½m handicap hurdle at Hereford in November. Most disappointing since (including over fences) so hard to be positive about at present.

Millers Reef showed ability in couple of bumpers (tongue tied) for Colin Bowe in Ireland. Yet to show much in 3 hurdles starts, but bred to excel over obstacles and a likely improver now handicapping.

Southway Star finally got her act together over hurdles during the second half of 2011, winning 3 handicaps at up to 2½m. Should be freshened by a 4-month absence, but has to prove herself on this ground.

Be Kind was in frame first 4 starts over hurdles, but little impact in 4 runs since returning from an 8-month absence. Quicker ground is at least in her favour.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Woodlark Island
2. Millers Reef
3. Dukes Art

Timeform View: Millers Reef is a likely improver now handicapping with a tongue strap back on, but Woodlark Island ought to take plenty of stopping in his follow-up bid.

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Admirable Duque has taken really well to fibresand, twice accounting for The Lock Master in handicaps last 2 starts. Can't be dismissed in current heart.

Taikoo took a C&D handicap last spring and went in again back from a break at Ayr in September. Not so good in maiden hurdle and bumper the last twice. Captain Bellamy stronger from yard.

Sherman Mccoy won at Salisbury last summer before season rather petered out. Returns from 5 months off and unproven on fibresand.

The Lock Master chased home Admirable Duque twice here before poor effort up at this trip at Wolverhampton last time. Would make more appeal over shorter.

Storm Hawk has taken well to this surface, bursting clear for third win in 4 starts earlier in the month. Latest 6 lb rise may not stop him from going close again.

Boss's Destination was the impressive winner of 2m Thirsk handicap last summer. Never raced on fibresand, but plenty from yard have improved for switch to the surface. Betting check advised.

Marsh Warbler is a Grade 1 winning hurdler who scored impressively in handicap here in October. Finished distressed over jumps last month, but potentially very well treated in this sphere still.

Bedouin Bay has won twice on the Flat and ran well behind Admirable Duque on fibresand debut in January. Since gone close in jumpers' bumper back here and can't be ruled out for in-form yard.

Captain Bellamy made it 4 wins from 5 starts at Southwell when bolting up in 2m handicap last month. Strong traveller who seems sure to go well again.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Marsh Warbler
2. Captain Bellamy
3. Admirable Duque

Timeform View: Very competitive with a few winning streaks taken to come to an end courtesy of 142-rated hurdler Marsh Warbler who bolted up on his first go on this surface in October. Captain Bellamy, Admirable Duque and Storm Hawk are others right at home on fibresand and have to come into calculations also.

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