TimeformBlog

Binocular won the 2010 Champion Hurdle, and back to that sort of form on last 2 starts after undergoing breathing operation. Smooth winner of Kingwell Hurdle last month, and looks the main threat to Hurricane Fly.

Brampour has been much improved this season, winning at Ascot then Greatwood Hurdle at this track a couple of weeks later. Third in Grade 2 here after and had excuses since, but hopes look pretty slim in this company.

Celestial Halo has been a fine servant to connections, landing the Triumph in 2008 as well as 4 Grade 2s. Only just touched off in 2009 renewal of this, but latest defeat to Binocular confirms he's just short of this level.

Hurricane Fly was unbeaten in 5 starts (all Grade 1s) last term, including in this contest, and showed himself as good as ever when making impressive return in Irish Champion in January. Hard to beat on that form.

Kalann quickly left his Flat form behind switched to hurdling, running out a ready winner of 4-y-o minor event here in October. Failed to really build on that since and firmly up against it.

Oscars Well won 2 Grade 1 novices last term and would surely have won the Neptune but for a late blunder. Better form in defeat this season, but put in his place by Hurricane Fly last time.

Overturn is a front runner who was seventh in 2011 Champion. Better than ever this term, completing hat-trick when beating Binocular in Fighting Fifth. Given a break and likely to give it his all again.

Rock On Ruby propelled himself into Champion Hurdle picture when running away with handicap at Newbury on return, and pushed Binocular hard when neck second in Christmas Hurdle. Definite place contender.

Zaidpour is unbeaten in 4 starts this season, showing himself effective from 2m to 3m. Last 3 wins gained at Grade 2 level and this step back up in class likely to prove a bridge too far.

Zarkandar took Triumph Hurdle win in unbeaten 2010/11 campaign, and returned from absence with impressive win in Betfair Hurdle last month. Capable of better still, but that is factored into his price.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Hurricane Fly
2. Binocular
3. Rock On Ruby

Timeform View: Last year's winner Hurricane Fly has cemented his position at the top of the 2m tree since then and can confirm himself the best since Istabraq with a follow up. An on-song Binocular would provide the stiffest resistance, with Rock On Ruby a solid each-way proposition.

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Della Sun wouldn't look impossibly treated on his French form but usually blinkered there and no headgear starting out for new yard. Absence to overcome too.

J'Adhere gained compensation for string of near misses with game win at Taunton in December and another good run when second at Ludlow latest. Can't be ruled out.

Mauritino had a good year in 2011, successful on the Flat before resuming winning ways in handicap hurdles in October. Did too much early at Kempton last time and still well treated.

Drumshambo was better than ever when winning 15-runner event at Taunton in December. Ran well in a stronger event than this last time and will appreciate sharp track. One to consider.

Marcus Antonius's both Flat wins were gained at Folkestone and showed best form over hurdles when winning there last month. Remains capable of better but sharp 2m wouldn't be sure to see him to best effect.

Traditional Bob was runner-up on first of 4 starts in bumpers last season. More promise than bare form figures suggest over hurdles and looks the type to do better now handicapped.

Aviso carried his thriving Flat form back over hurdles when landing a 2m seller at Ludlow in January. Followed up on handicap debut at Warwick last month (despite racing freely) and can't discount.

Red Skipper needed the return to a weak seller to break duck over hurdles in June, but arrives here on the back of 2 very solid runner-up efforts. Should run his race for new yard but vulnerable off mark.

Tayarat sprung a 100/1 surprise at Ludlow last hurdles start (beat J'Adhere). Poor run on the level since and can't be relied upon.

Battleoftrafalgar has shown fairly useful form when winning a couple of times on the Flat. Well held all 3 starts over hurdles though and greater emphasis on stamina likely to be needed at some stage.

Musnad is a fair Flat performer who ran well second time up over hurdles when third at Catterick in November. May do better now handicapped.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mauritino
2. Drumshambo
3. J'Adhere

Timeform View: Mauritino still looks on a workable mark and he can resume winning ways in a competitive event. Drumshambo and the consistent J'Adhere could prove best of the rest.

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First up today is the Jeremy Scott-trained Pyleigh Lass (14.35), who makes her handicap debut off a fair-looking mark at Wincanton this afternoon. Pyleigh Lass showed promise in a pair of bumpers last season and put in a much better effort over hurdles when second to Holywell in a maiden at Chepstow last month. The step up in trip should suit and she is still unexposed.

Next up is Tarquinius (15:10), who resumed winning ways when easily landing a similar event at Lingfield in February by 13 lengths from Guydus. The handicapper has subsequently put him up 13 lb for that success, which of course makes life tougher, but he should be suited by longer trip at Wincanton today and remains well treated on some of his past form.

Last but by no means least we come to Douze Points (19:50), who makes his first start for John Butler at Wolverhampton this evening. Whilst Douze Points' recent efforts have not been too encouraging, his new trainer often does well with horses of a similar profile and he would not have to be anywhere near his best to be competitive off a mark off a career-low BHA rating of 48, given that he ran well off a much higher marks at times last year.

Back Pyleigh Lass @ 2.98 in the 14:35 at Wincanton
Back Tarquinius @ 2.86 in the 15:10 at Wincanton
Back Douze Points @ 4.2 in the 19:50 at Wolverhampton

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There are two big sprints at Meydan on Saturday, races that Alo Pura could easily have figured in but Dhruba Selvaratnam has opted to run her in the calmer waters of the listed event at 11:35 and hopefully that move will pay dividends. She has had another profitable campaign, winning at the track in December before catching the eye on her next two starts at Meydan, not getting much luck on either occasion. She still managed to finish third behind Hitchens last time and a reproduction of that form should be good enough, particularly as this should be run to suit; Kilt Rock, Russian Rock, Spin Cycle, Silaah and Star Crowned all potential front-runners who can help set it up for her.

The handicap at 12:10 looks a competitive affair but it will be easier than the races Step In Line has been contesting and he is fancied to take advantage of a drop in the weights after a couple of below-par efforts. He started the season well, finishing second off a mark of 95 behind Mureb before holding his own in a minor event won by Atlantic Brave. He hasn't really featured behind Treble Jig and He'sminenotyours on his last two outings but then again he was hardly entitled too and his mark of 93 should ensure he is far more of a threat than has been the case recently.

There isn't much strength to the 12:45 and it can go to Moannaa, who still has plenty more scope for improvement and should make a bold bid to make his handicap debut a winning one. He only made it to the track once when in the care of Roger Varian, finishing fourth behind Songburst at Kempton, and probably only needed to run to a similar level when comfortably beating Moonlight Dash at the course last time. Moonlight Dash has won since and reopposes on the same terms, and whilst that one also has some potential, it's still hard to see him reversing form. The remainder all look fully exposed and have their limitations so it really does look a good opportunity for Moannaa to add to that initial success.

Back Alo Pura in the 11:35
Back Step In Line in the 12:10
Back Moannaa in the 12:45

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Gidam Gidam is a thorough stayer who won 4m Doncaster handicap chase in February 2010 for John Mackie. Placed both starts in points last year, and confirmed he retains some ability when runner-up on hunter debut.

Marblehead achieved fairly useful form over fences for both Fergal O'Brien and Nigel Twiston-Davies. Since won a point for his new handler in January, and he ought to be competitive in this company.

Special Portrait surpassed previous winning hunter form when a clear second behind the far superior Cloudly Lane at Ayr last month. Will need to raise his game again in a race with more depth.

Rumbury Grey is a three-time point winner who was fit from that sphere when overhauling Galway Jack in 2½m hunter here last month. Easy enough to see those placings reversed under these circumstances, though.

Galway Jack was prolific in points, and not seen to best effect both hunter starts this year, ridden too forcefully at Towcester and unable to quicken over 2½m here. Will do better, especially at this trip.

Pistolet Noir's career stalled after winning Grade 2 juvenile at Cheltenham in 2009 and evidence of both chase starts last year and his recent point run suggests he's very much a declining force.

Rathcor produced a career best when bagging a 2½m handicap hurdle at Huntingdon in October 2010. Not the biggest, but won a point prior to an excellent runner-up effort on last month's hunter debut.

Kiama produced a better effort on his second hunter start when third at Taunton last month, but in the process underlined her limitations in this sphere, and this is too tough.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Rathcor
2. Galway Jack
3. Rumbury Grey

Timeform Verdict: Rathcor's solid runner-up effort is the best recent hunter form on offer, so he gets the nod, though an improved showing from Galway Jack would come as no surprise.

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West Coast Dream won 2 Irish handicaps last spring for Andrew Oliver. Best effort for new yard when neck second to Cadeaux Pearl at Kempton, but since failed miserably to cope with switch to this surface.

Mottley Crewe has improved on the AW since fitted with blinkers in recent months, including 4 times runner-up in C&D handicaps. However, beaten at long odds-on in a seller last time which has to be a worry.

Baby Strange was as consistent as ever last year and plenty to like about recent Lingfield return when finishing off his race well. Previous runs here came to nothing, but is on a fair mark and is still feared.

Cadeaux Pearl dropped in the weights and bounced back to best over C&D in December, then followed up in Kempton handicap by neck from West Coast Dream. Had valid excuse for lesser effort here since so respected.

Haajes's highlight of 2011 campaign came when nabbing 21-runner handicap at Doncaster in September. Has form on this surface, though normally needs comeback run, and inexperienced rider booked.

Ghostwing has returned to form of late, cashing in on declining mark over C&D in January. Hard to explain why he's run so poorly twice since, but still big player if getting his act back together in refitted visor.

Sir Geoffrey is a speedy sort who is best on AW and at this trip. Unable to lead at Lingfield last time and behind second-home Mottley Crewe over C&D prior to that. Opposed on that basis.

Waking Warrior was a maiden C&D scorer as a juvenile, but that remains his sole win and, despite further help from the handicapper, is hard to recommend unless the market speaks in his favour on return to action.

Fair Passion won twice in 2011 and even better this year when too strong for 8 rivals at Kempton penultimate start. Not at best 5 days later, but did win her maiden around here so couldn't rule out.

Monsieur Jamie goes best around here, winning twice over C&D last year, first of them 12 months ago. Yet to fire this time around, though, hence difficult to be confident about at present.

Six Wives is a sturdy mare who won five times in 2011, latest coming over C&D in December. Not quite operating at the same level since, the handicapper looking just about in charge.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Baby Strange
2. Fair Passion
3. Ghostwing

Timeform Verdict: Derek Shaw could have a big say in the outcome of this via Baby Strange and Fair Passion, with preference going to the former. If a refitted visor gets Ghostwing back on song he could also make his presence felt.

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Shangani (14:00) shaped well after a lengthy absence when second at Towcester ten days ago and he can go one better in the opening race of the day at Fontwell Park. The six-year-old heads the Timeform ratings for this contest, considered 10lb superior to his nearest rival and 9lb in advance of the level of form usually required to win this race. He had demonstrated fairly useful form in France as a juvenile and was bought by current connections for €60,000; there was plenty of encourgagement to take from his return and his trainer, Venetia Williams, has been in fine form recently. If Shangani doesn not find this race coming too soon, he looks capable of keeping that run going today.

True To Form (18:00) has a very impressive strike rate on the all-weather and he can add to his haul of wins this evening in what admittedly looks a fairly competitive handicap. True To Form has demonstrated a very admirable level of consistency for Ron Harris throughout the winter, running within 3lb of his best on four of his last five starts. He heads the Timeform ratings for this evening's contest and there is every reason to believe he will run up to scratch again, something that cannot be said about his rivals. Luke Morris is booked for the ride, yet another positive given the way he rides the track, and the pair are well-fancied to go close.

Mister Green was unlucky in defeat last time and he can make amends for that narrow defeat in the 20:00 at Kempton this evening, a contest in which he is best at the weights based on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings. Mister Green shaped as if on a very workable mark last time, waited with and travelling strongly for much of the way before meeting some trouble in running and eventually finishing third. The six-year-old will break from stall one this evening, so traffic problems shouldn't be as much of the problem and, racing from the same BHA mark of 62, Mister Green looks to have a solid chance.

Back Shangani @ 1.9 in the 14:00 at Fontwell
Back True To Form @ 5.2 in the 18:00 at Kempton
Back Mister Green @ 4.5 in the 20:00 at Kempton

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Alpha One ran well when runner-up in 2 maiden chases here (19f) late last year. Confidence looked affected by previous fall when below form month, but the one to beat on chase form if bouncing back.

Earl Grez took well to fences initially, including placed over C&D, but lost way at end of last season and, despite being fit from points, no show on last month's return. Change of headgear tried now.

Foot The Bill is a point winner who ran best race over hurdles in 2½m novice on heavy ground at Carlisle a year ago. Shown very little 2 starts over fences this season, though, and others preferred.

Franks A Million is a bumper winner who has shown promise when making frame both starts in novice hurdles this winter, runner-up here (19f) last time. Obvious contender if taking to this new discipline.

Noble Schloar is a dual bumper winner who again made frame in novice hurdle on return from a year off here in January. Well below that when last of 12 latest, and needs to bounce back on chase debut.

Penton Hook was modest on Flat and has offered nothing for this yard over hurdles or on 2 chase starts, including when attracting some support at long odds last time. Makes little appeal.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Franks a Million
2. Alpha One
3. Noble Scholar

Timeform View: Alpha One sets the standard on chase form, but he must prove that his confidence remains intact after a below-par effort last time and it might be worth taking him on with chasing newcomer Franks A Million, who has shown fair form when making the frame on both starts over hurdles.

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Handicap debutante Josh's Dreamway (15:00) makes plenty of appeal in the two-mile-three-furlong Betfair Hurdle Series Qualifier at Exeter as she's Timeform top-rated who has a 'p' (open to improvement) still attached to her master figure. A fairly useful bumper performer (won first two outings prior to fourth in listed event), Josh's Dreamway has shaped as if better than her finishing position in maiden/novice hurdles so far and strikes as the type to do much better now handicapping off a BHA rating of 100. The step up in trip isn't expected to pose a problem (her half-sister stayed 21f over timber) and she looks very intriguing with the Jeremy Scott yard ending last month in such fine form.

Owing to parts of the course being frozen overnight, Newcastle will have to pass a second inspection at 11am if their meeting is to go ahead but if it does it should pay to follow Cool Operator (16:50) in the handicap chase over two and a half miles. Trainer Philip Kirby is going well at present (the last horse he saddled won a 14-runner handicap) and his Cool Operator is now dangerously well handicapped off an official mark of 109 having won a hurdle race for Howard Johnson in February last year off 120 and began his chase career off 129. Cool Operator's latest second was his best effort since joining Kirby prior to the start of the season and, for all she's yet to ride a winner for the handler in three goes, the booking of promising conditional Lucy Alexander suggests a bold show is anticipated.

Today's final SmartPlay is somewhat of a flyer in that Haling Park (17:00), who runs in the closing conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Exeter, hasn't shown much at all in her career so far, with her best performance actually coming on her hurdling debut back in November 2009. However, the reason she catches the eye is that she has rejoined Tim Vaughan (ran once for him previously) from Clarissa Claroe and, after a dismal start to 2012 (1 winner up until March 10), her new yard could be about to turn the corner. For all there's the slight suggestion that she struggles to get the minimum trip (she actually races over 17f this afternoon), Haling Park is worth chancing at current odds with only perennial bridesmaids Only Hope and Roxane Bruere to beat.

Back Josh's Dreamway @ 6.2 in the 15:00 at Exeter
Back Cool Operator @ 5.4 in the 16:50 at Newcastle
Back Haling Park @ 6.2 in the 17:00 at Exeter

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Alderluck got off the mark over fences in novice chase at Plumpton (3¼m) last winter. Arrives on back of a solid effort at Wetherby (25f) in first-time blinkers for new yard. Frame claims if building on that.

Drybrook Bedouin goes well here, with course form reading 2311, third in this race last year and winning 4m Devon Marathon penultimate start. Below that level last time, but not dismissed back at this venue.

Clash Duff was a point winner and progressing under Rules, landing novice chase at Huntingdon (3m) penultimate start. Solid 3½ lengths fifth at Warwick (29f) in cheekpieces latest, and even stiffer test will suit.

Roseneath won 4 times over fences, most recently on reappearance at Hereford (25f) in November. Pulled up and then refused to race in two starts since, though, so questions to answer.

Upham Atom was a Wincanton winner last March, and back to best when winning at Folkestone (31f) last week, jumping better than has sometimes been the case. 7 lb penalty makes things tougher, but respected.

Martimers Cross got back to form with a bang to land pair of Fontwell handicap chases recently, jumping well. Has to defy 7 lb penalty and step up in trip, but wouldn't rule out doing so in current mood.

Fair Point is lightly raced for his age and showed he still has something to offer when third in 3m handicap at Kempton on return in December, but gone backwards last twice, and opposable at present.

Flying Award was a dual handicap hurdle winner last season who has taken well to fences in recent weeks, winning 3¼m Plumpton handicap last week. Penalty demands more but unexposed granted stamina test.

Diamond Brook has a patchy profile, but goes well here. On a fair mark if bouncing back from pulled-up effort last time, and not dismissed.

Ammunition was better than ever last season, winning 3 times, including this race. Bounced back from 3 poor runs when returned to this track (3m) latest, and another to consider racing off last winning mark.

How's My Friend caught the eye in defeat on several occasions this season, and better than bare form of latest third on handicap debut at Towcester (2¾m). Becoming frustrating but too early to write off up in trip.

Always Bold returned to form when landing back-to-back 27f Fontwell handicap hurdles in November. Had jumping/temperament issues recently, though, and beaten when falling latest. Others preferred.

Atherstone Hill has come back from lengthy absence and was an improved performer in a visor last winter, winning twice at Towcester. Returned better than ever to win at Warwick (3¼m) in November, and marathon trip may suit.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Clash Duff
2. Ammunition
3. Mortimers Cross

Timeform View: A wide-open contest in which it's possible to make out a case for plenty, but the tentative vote goes to Clash Duff, who is unexposed and shapes as if he'll be suited by the sort of stamina test this will provide. Ammunition and Mortimers Cross head the list of dangers.

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