TimeformBlog

Counting House won at Newbury (3m) on back of a break this time last year and this easier than Cheltenhan handicap he ran in when last seen in November. Wouldn't dismiss.

Chac du Cadran is a Point winner who has a good attitude and is progressing well over hurdles, last month's Doncaster third being solid form. Thorough stayer who has strong claims of gaining a second course win.

Rear Gunner was a successful hurdler in his younger days and back over smaller obstacles after jumping went to pieces at Newbury last time. Looks vulnerable.

Teenage Kicks won 3 times over hurdles at up to this trip last summer. Seemed to run well at Taunton last time but this looks tougher.

Rossmore Lad improved in cheekpieces when landing 3m Chepstow handicap in October, but not so good after. Subsequent break should have sharpened him up and no surprise to see him bounce back.

Father Probus is a temperamental sort who bounced back fitted with first-time headgear when making all at Taunton at the start of the month. Good, if somewhat laboured, third there since and more needed now.

Deep Pockets goes well here and at Plumpton but profile this season has been patchy. Not hard to see some younger legs proving too good for him.

General Ting is winless since April 2010 and recent efforts blighted by weak finishes. Has dropped to very tempting mark for yard in form, but 3m looks at upper limit of his stamina.

Lady Ida is a modest maiden hurdler who is in and out. This race much tougher than the one she finished second in over C&D 2 starts back.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Chac du Cadran
2. Counting House
3. Rossmore Lad

Timeform Verdict: Chac du Cadran is proving a likeable stayer and with the form of his Doncaster third working out he can notch up a second course win. Counting House and Rossmore Lad both return from breaks and need considering also.

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Petit Robin was a very smart chaser in his time but not seen since fracturing a shoulder in January 2011. Betting should guide as to what is expected from him back from a break and over hurdles.

Topolski won his first 3 outings over hurdles, completing hat-trick in Grade 2 at Aintree last spring. First signs of promise this year when third at Fontwell last time but needs to progress again.

Gibb River won his first 3 starts over hurdles last season and made promising start to this campaign, close third in good Sandown handicap in December. Disappointing next time but still lightly raced.

Dream Esteem is lightly raced over hurdles, showing herself better than ever last month when winning handicap at Chepstow by 1½ lengths from Charm School. 9 lb rise does make life a bit tougher.

Chesil Beach Boy - NR

Grams And Ounces left Seamus Durack and was much improved for new yard to win handicaps at Hereford, Leicester and Ludlow in December/January. Another 13 lb higher mark to contend with as he bids for 4-timer.

Tony Star made a winning debut over hurdles at Huntingdon in January 2011, and right back on track with good second at Wincanton in December. Not seen since injuring himself at Cheltenham later that month.

Kandari was a Fairyhouse maiden winner and County Hurdle fifth back in 2009 for Noel Meade. Very lightly raced since but well backed for new yard before finding subsequent Festival winner Attaglance too strong.

Sacrilege is an ungenuine hurdler who is one to avoid these days, often causing trouble at the start.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Kandari
2. Gibb River
3. Grams And Ounces

Timeform View: Kandari seemed to get outstayed by subsequent Cheltenham winner Attaglance at Market Rasen but he travelled strongly through the race and can go one better this time. Gibb River and Grams And Ounces could prove best of the rest in a competitive event.

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Current Event didn't go on as expected over hurdles, but outclassed inferior rivals over this C&D on chase debut in November. Obvious chance.

Get It On made the frame all 5 completed starts since making a winning debut over fences at Sedgefield (2½m) in September. No reason why he shouldn't give another decent account.

Aussie Man and Van is a Bob's Return half-brother to smart hurdler/chaser Sports Line (stays 2½m). Bred to make a chaser, but up against it on belated racecourse debut.

Edlomond found one too good on a few occasions in bumpers/novice hurdles, doing so again second try over fences at Stratford (17f) recently. Sure to win races in due course, but more required to lift this.

Galantos got off the mark over hurdles at Hereford (17f) in January, but chequered record in that sphere leaves something to be desired and well beaten only previous try over fences in 2008.

Musashi produced one or two respectable efforts since opening hurdling account in September 2010. Ticking over on the Flat in recent weeks, but not straightforward and stiff task now going chasing.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Current Event
2. Get It On
3. Edlomond

Timeform Verdict: Current Event and Get It On look the pair to concentrate on, the former marginally preferred given his unexposed profile.

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Stopped Out was twice a winner in this sphere last season, and runner-up on all 4 completed starts over fences this time around (unseated last time). Career-high mark makes things tough back over timber.

Star In Flight is a progressive front-running novice who would have won last 3 starts at Catterick but for unseating on second of those. More on his plate now handicapping but remains open to plenty of improvement.

Timesawastin has his share of quirks (ran out penultimate start), but clearly talented, and ran best race when runner-up to Big Easy in Bangor handicap last time. Still looks fairly treated after 6 lb rise.

Trustan Times created good impression when first/second in above-average novices at Wetherby in 2010/11. Has made mistakes over fences of late, but still running creditably, and may do better back hurdling.

Jetnova won 3 times over hurdles in 2010/11. Didn't take to chasing initially this season, but still well below form when returned to this sphere in late-January.

Radmores Revenge is a mud-lover who has had a good season, winning at Bangor in December and twice second since. Others look better-treated after latest 6 lb rise, though McCoy could make a difference in the saddle.

Shadows Lengthen is a six-time AW Flat winner who was back on up over hurdles when successful at Doncaster in December. That form hasn't proved the strongest, though, and 2½m on soft ground might stretch his stamina.

Sir Tantallus Hawk is a fairly useful handicap hurdler/chaser, and won jumpers' bumper at Southwell last month. Disappointing in this sphere since, however, and overall record this season isn't convincing.

Little Hercules was progressive in 4 starts for Howard Johnson, and improved again when close-second over 2m here on reappearance. Needs to bounce back from a couple of below-par runs, but conditions look ideal.

Jukebox Melody is a free-going sort. Improved when runner-up on first 2 starts for this yard at Market Rasen, and stamina stretched last time. Likely strong pace here will suit, whilst blinkers may also help.

Stars de Granits was a fairly useful juvenile hurdler in 2010. Missed last season and has endured a hard time on return, falling twice (latterly on chasing debut) before well held in similar event to this 12 days ago.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Little Hercules
2. Star in Flight
3. Trustan Times

Timeform Verdict: Star In Flight and Timesawastin have strong form claims, but both are front-runners and there's a concern that they could push each other too hard. A strong gallop will suit a few of the others, including Little Hercules, and it's worth taking a chance on him returning to form under what should be optimum conditions.

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Darna landed brace of novice hurdles last January. Sold for £120,000 and first win for new yard when left clear penultimate start, but must bounce back from pulled-up effort when last seen in December.

Mush Mir won first 3 starts in novice hurdles and off the mark at the first attempt over fences at Warwick in December. Repeat of that must see him go close.

How's D Strawboss was placed once from 4 starts in maiden points in Ireland. Not seen for over a year, and others preferred on first start under Rules.

Nobunaga won a Huntingdon novice hurdle in the mud last season. Generally in good order on Flat in the summer, but pulled up over hurdles in January, and poor effort on chase debut earlier this month.

Qaspal was good enough to win 2010 Imperial Cup. Only 3 runs since, returning from absence prior to chase debut at Huntingdon. Jumped soundly in the main there, but must bounce back from lesser effort latest.

Ronnie Ronalde was down the field in maiden bumper and 2 novice hurdles last winter, and failed to complete in 3 points in 2012. Plenty to prove on chase debut.

The Clyda Rover is a maiden hurdler who turned in 3 laboured displays prior to well-held third of 6 on chase debut at Fontwell last time. Out of his depth here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mush Mir
2. Qaspal
3. Darna

Timeform Verdict: Mush Mir made a successful chasing debut when last seen, and looks the safest option to follow up in this contest. Qaspal is the main danger if bouncing back from a poor effort last time.

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14:50 - It's difficult for front runners to go too fast on the inner loop at Kempton, so Novabridge looks a solid starting point given he'll likely have the run of things from the inside stall. The other interesting one is Black Cadillac. He's unexposed, in good hands, and his latest second over six furlongs here suggests he's well handicapped, too.

15:20 - This is a rotten race for placepot purposes, most of the runners with form closely matched. The best thing to do is probably to take on likely favourite Beau Duke with the fit and in-form duo Red Shuttle and Santadelacruze.

15:50 - Casual Mover was an impressive winner (in a good time) at Lingfield last time and is probably still ahead of his mark after a 5 lb rise. He's clearly worth including, but there's room for a second selection in the shape of Conducting, who seems as likely as any to run his race.

16:20 - The best way to tackle this trappy-looking handicap is to stick with a pair that caught the eye last time, namely Isdaal (probably should've won at Lingfield) and Fire In Babylon (pressed on too soon over course and distance).

16:50 - A good-quality handicap for a quiet Monday, and there are a handful of interesting runners. Chief among them is Crown Counsel, who has slipped to a handy mark and will probably be able to dominate from stall one. The other one worth sticking in the placepot is Greensward, who looks well treated on the form of his win over course and distance last summer.

17:20 - The majority of these are either exposed or unproven at the trip, but neither of those statements apply to The Absent Mare, who is progressive at this sort of level. She's worth taking alone to round things off.

Selections
14:50 - 2, 5
15:20 - 2, 5
15:50 - 1, 7
16:20 - 2, 5
16:50 - 7, 10
17:20 - 7
= 32 lines

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Bravo Echo was progressive on polytrack last winter, winning at Lingfield (7f) and over 1m here. Has made little impact in a trio of runs at Meydan this year, however, and must bounce back to make an impact now.

Seek the Fair Land was better than ever when ending lengthy losing run at Lingfield (7f) in November, and back to that level when winning over 6f there in January. Not discredited last time, and merits respect again.

Hazzard County is a quirky gelding who has run creditably of late, third to Piscean at Wolverhampton on penultimate start before a poor effort last time. Type to bounce back quickly, and not written off.

Piscean got back to form when a cosy winner at Wolverhampton early last month, and has run well enough on both starts at 6f since. Return to 7f will suit, but handicapper may have his measure for now.

Five Star Junior is a hold-up sort who is slipping in the weights, and has shaped as if worth trying at 7f of late, making headway too late at Wolverhampton last time. Not ruled out if getting strong gallop which suits.

Reignier won minor event at Haydock in July, but form has proved rather patchy since, and must prove latest 4 lengths sixth of 7 to Palace Moon over C&D doesn't flatter him. Cheekpieces refitted now.

Greensward made it 2 from 2 on polytrack over C&D in September, and followed up at Chester next time. Below best since, but failed to stay 1m when sixth at Lingfield last time, and will find this more suitable.

Prince of Burma responded well to fitting of blinkers to land 1m handicaps here and at Lingfield in January. Pulled hard when below form in steadily-run event at latter track last time, but ought to bounce back.

Chilli Green proved herself as good as ever when winning over C&D last month in first-time cheekpieces, and did too much in front when below that form at Lingfield 3 days later. Not dismissed.

Crown Counsel gained third win of 2011 when galloping on too strongly for rivals at Haydock (1m) in June. Ended campaign out of sorts, but handles polytrack and looks well treated on return for thriving yard.

Ocean Legend gained sixth C&D win when readily beating Santefisio early last month, but not in same form behind Chilli Green last time. Always feared here, but looks anchored by current rating.

Dozy Joe was a dual winner at 2 yrs, and has been shaping as if back to form lately, responding well to cheekpieces when second at Lingfield (7f) last time, headed only late. Every chance if repeating that now.

Jack My Boy finished in the frame on his last 4 starts at 6f on turf, the latest at Ffos Las in November. Can't be ruled out for in-form yard, but best efforts at that trip, and may be in need of this return to action.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Crown Counsel
2. Prince of Burma
3. Dozy Joe

Timeform Verdict: Crown Counsel returns from a break on what looks a tempting mark and can get back on the up for his in-form yard. Prince of Burma and Dozy Joe head a long list of potential dangers.

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Burton Port was an excellent second to Diamond Harry in the Hennessy on 2010/11 return, and showed all his ability remained intact when runner-up to Long Run in Denman Chase after an absence in February.

Carruthers had his day in the sun when landing the Hennessy in first-time tongue tie at Newbury in November. Fourth in this race back in 2010, but ran poorly in the Welsh National when last seen.

China Rock is a very smart chaser who was still in touch when losing his action in this contest last year. Pulled too hard when behind Quel Esprit at Leopardstown last time, and stamina for this trip a concern.

Diamond Harry was the impressive winner of 2010 Hennessy, but missed rest of season. Not seen things out on either start this term, and has reportedly had a wind operation since Argento Chase in January.

Kauto Star is the stand-out chaser of his generation. Returned to near best this season to see off Long Run in Betfair Chase and King George, and sure to make presence felt despite late training setback.

Knockara Beau is a genuine performer who has posted number of good efforts over hurdles and fences, including third in Argento Chase. Not discredited back over hurdles latest, but lacks the class of several of these.

Long Run capped his breakthrough season when taking this contest last year. Found Kauto Star too strong on first 2 starts this term, but back on target in Denman Chase last time, and must go well again.

Midnight Chase is a front runner who progressed well last term, landing 4 handicaps prior to good fifth in this race. Back to best when winning Argento here in January, and not easily dismissed now.

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

Synchronised won 2010 Welsh National, and bridged the gap to graded company when taking Lexus Chase at Leopardstown after Christmas. However, needs to find another career best if he's to take this.

The Giant Bolster's jumping been Achilles heel over fences but barely put a foot wrong when winning Grade 3 handicap here over 21f in January. Fair fourth behind Long Run at Newbury last time, but others stronger.

The Midnight Club was progressive last term, winning the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse (25f). Not seen to best effect in 3 runs this season, and makes minimal appeal at this level of competition.

Time For Rupert was a smart novice in 2010/11. Returned to winning ways when beating The Giant Bolster at Newbury in December, making all, but had no excuse when only fourth behind Midnight Chase in Argento last time.

Weird Al made a perfect start for his new yard when beating Time For Rupert in Charlie Hall on return, then highly creditable third behind Kauto Star in Betfair Chase on next outing. Deliberately kept fresh since.

What A Friend was fourth in this race last year in first-time blinkers, and not discredited when third to Long Run in Denman Chase at Newbury last time, despite showing his usual awkward head carriage.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Long Run
2. Kauto Star
3. Weird Al

Timeform View: The stage looks set for another classic duel between Kauto Star and Long Run, with preference for defending-champion Long Run, who can reverse Betfair Chase and King George form over this extra 2½f. Weird Al, kept fresh for this since November, appeals best of the remainder.

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Albertas Run is a three-time Festival winner, including last 2 runnings of this contest. Won Grade 2 at Aintree in October on return, but injury has kept him off since. Obvious claims if fully recovered.

Captain Chris was last season's Arkle winner. Finished a creditable third behind Kauto Star and Long Run in the King George, but ran no sort of race in Argento Chase here last time, jumping violently right.

Forpadydeplasterer is without a win since the 2009 Arkle though has finished in the frame in all but one of his 12 starts since, beaten 11 lengths when fourth to Somersby in Grade 1 at Ascot last time.

Great Endeavour landed the Festival Plate in 2010, and impressive winner of Paddy Power in November. Excuses for couple of defeats since, and worth his place at the top table, for all he'll need a career best to win.

Kalahari King has never been out of the frame in 4 visits to the Festival, and back to best when second to Albertas Run in this contest last year. Pulled up in 2 of 3 starts since, however, and questions to answer now.

Little Josh won 2010 PP Gold Cup, and shaped well until stamina stretched in Argento Chase on belated return. Race may have come too soon when flopping last time, but still plenty to prove at present.

Medermit built on novice form when landing Haldon Gold Cup on return, and better form in defeat since, beaten 3 lengths by Riverside Theatre in Ascot Chase last time. Sound each-way claims based on that.

Noble Prince took the Jewson here in 2011, and has improved this term, second to Big Zeb at Navan and Leopardstown and to Blazing Tempo at Fairyhouse, all around 2m. Return to further will suit, and considered.

Poquelin's last 5 wins gained here, and ran respectably when chasing home The Giant Bolster in 21f Grade 3 handicap in January. Only fourth in this in 2011, and place may be best he can hope for again.

Realt Dubh was third in 2011 Arkle, and took Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in April. Not seen since chasing home Captain Chris at Punchestown in early-May, however. Engaged 3.20 Cheltenham Wednesday.

Riverside Theatre is a lightly-raced chaser who has won Ascot Chase on last 2 starts, beating Gauvain 10 lengths in 2011 and Medermit 3 lengths on return last month, looking as good as ever. Bit in hand on form.

Rubi Light was a good third in this last year, and as good as ever when making all in John Durkan at Punchestown and Red Mills Chase at Gowran on heavy ground this term. Not so easy dominating these, but respected.

Somersby finally ended a frustrating run at top level when overhauling Finian's Rainbow at Ascot (17f) in January in first-time cheekpieces. 2½m looks his ideal trip these days, and solid place claims.

Blazing Tempo is a Galway Plate heroine who has gone on to score twice in graded company since, her best effort coming when beating Noble Prince at Fairyhouse in January. Bit more needed to bridge gap to top level.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Riverside Theatre
2. Great Endeavour
3. Medermit

Timeform View: A good renewal of the Ryanair, providing further evidence that the race is finding its feet as a genuine championship event. The form of the Ascot Chase, where Riverside Theatre and Medermit were miles clear of the rest, looks key, and the former is a confident selection. Great Endeavour appeals most of those at longer odds.

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Big Zeb finished out of the first 2 only once since falling in this in 2009, making amends in 2010, and finding only Sizing Europe too good 12 months ago. Hard to see him not being involved.

Finian's Rainbow is a bold-jumping front runner who is 5 from 7 over fences, and travelled best in 17f Grade 1 at Ascot in January until overhauled close home. High cruising speed a big asset here, but can finish weakly.

Gauvain landed a valuable C&D event for second successive season on return, but has failed to complete on 2 of last 4 starts. Headgear back on, but others still readily preferred.

I'm So Lucky won the Celebration Chase at Sandown in 2010, and not discredited on both chase starts this season, 8¾ lengths to Sprinter Sacre at Newbury last time. Will play no more than a minor role here.

Kauto Stone followed Grade 2 win at Down Royal (2½m) with a clear second to Sizing Europe in Tingle Creek. Possible to forgive Ascot flop latest and this only his fourth run for Paul Nicholls. Place claims.

Realt Dubh finished third in the 2011 Arkle, and took Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in April. Not seen since chasing home Captain Chris at Punchestown in early-May, however, and will do well to take this without a prep run.

Sizing Europe lowered colours of Big Zeb in this contest last year, and has looked as good as ever this season, easily landing Tingle Creek before beating Big Zeb again at Punchestown last month. The one to beat.

Wishfull Thinking was hugely progressive last season, winning at both Aintree and Punchestown festivals. Disappointing this time round, and has questions to answer at present.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Big Zeb
2. Sizing Europe
3. Kauto Stone

Timeform View: With doubts over Finian's Rainbow's ability to get up the hill this could come down to last year's 1-2 Sizing Europe and Big Zeb. The former is the one to beat again, but the betting does very much reflect that and more value is to be had by backing Big Zeb each-way given it's very difficult to see him out of the first 3. Kauto Stone could take third.

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