TimeformBlog

Knight In Purple scaled new heights when winning twice in April and good second in Swinton next time. Has failed to fire since, however.

Embsay Crag was fair on the Flat for Clive Cox. Built on debut run over hurdles at second attempt when winning novice event at Wetherby last month in good style and should have more to come now handicapping.

Dontpaytheferryman is not as consistent as he used to be but seemed to appreciate drop in grade and fitting of visor when making all in seller over C&D recently. This tougher but has a good record around here.

Beidh Tine Anseo was useful on Flat for Jim Bolger and got act together over hurdles early last season, winning 3 times. At least respectable efforts all 4 runs this term, and return to better ground in his favour.

Hi Dancer put up a game effort when regaining winning thread at Sedgefield (17f) in March. Best effort this term when second at Catterick on New Year's Day but that form not the most solid.

City Ground won at Sedgefield (17f) in March and good second at same course next time. No show first 2 runs in handicaps but much more promise at Catterick last time, still in touch when unseating 2 out.

Hunters Belt made a successful start in bumpers in 2009, and off the mark over hurdles at Wetherby in April. Back to form when fourth over C&D last time but remains to be seen whether he'll back that up.

Baaher took advantage of several rivals falling by the wayside when opening chasing account here in November. Only third of 4 last time and returns to hurdles off 3 lb higher mark.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. City Ground
2. Embsay Crag
3. Beidh Tine Anseo

Timeform Verdict: City Ground shaped as if he was back firing at Catterick recently and can take advantage of a good mark here. The biggest threat could well come from the unexposed Embsay Crag.

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14:30 - We start off with a competitive handicap and with three places up for grabs we will take two selections in the opener. Abigails Angel has yet to win at this course but has run creditably in the past and should be in the shake up if reproducing her performance when runner-up to Lisahane Bog in November. Warden Bond is still a maiden, but he has finished in the frame on his last 6 starts and rates a good bet to do so again.

15:00 - Decider is a speedy course and distance winner who was not far off his best when fifth to Jimmy Ryan at Lingfield last time, and he is expected to be in the mix this afternoon. Clifford's Reprieve has shown marked improvement since switched to polytrack and actually finished in front of Decider when third in the aforementioned race and he looks sure to give another good account.

15:30 - The staying handicap is next and Prince Charlemagne must be included after his win over today's course at distance earlier this month. Delorian won this race off just 2 lb lower last year and has been knocking on the door of late, so we will also side with him in what looks an open event.

16:00 - We come to the maiden next, and we will bank on the Mark Johnston-trained Prussian, who went very close in a similar event at Lingfield on her debut and, with improvement expected, she should be up to at least finishing in the first two here.

16:30 - In one of the most competitive races to be staged today, and we will play it safe and side with two selections in order to see us through. Veroon is a tough gelding who has largely held his form since winning over course and distance in October and shaped better than the bare result here last time having been left poorly placed. George Guru is a lightly raced individual for his age and races off the same mark as when just touched off by Songburst here in November.

17:00 - We come to the finale and in order to keep the lines down we will gamble on Kai Mook following up his easy win 4 length win in a similar event here on Sunday. The quick turnaround is an obvious concern, but such was the nature of her success that she must be included here under a penalty.

Selections:
14:30 - 6, 10
15:00 - 6, 8
15:30 - 4, 7
16:00 - 6
16:30 - 3, 4
17:00 - 7
= 16 lines

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Colonel Mak was right back to his best when winning Ffos Las handicap in summer. Possibly in need of the run on AW debut last time and keeps plenty out the weights, but 5f here might be insufficient test.

Even Stevens is at his best on this surface and notched his sixth Southwell success when winning over C&D on New Year's Day. 5 lb rise might not be enough to end flawless C&D record.

West Coast Dream won 2 Irish handicaps last spring for Andrew Oliver. Bits of promise for new yard, notably when chasing home Cadeaux Pearl at Kempton last time, but has to prove effectiveness on the surface.

Woolfall Sovereign has improved since being dropped to sprint trips, winning 2 of his last 3 starts at Wolverhampton. 5f on this surface a very different test though.

Mottley Crewe has been resurgent since fitted with blinkers in recent months. Pair of good efforts in defeat since last win but behind Even Stevens over C&D last time and will do well to reverse the form with him here.

Close to the Edge improved in 2011, winning 3 times, latest coming at Wolverhampton in September (7f). Good run on penultimate start but opposable over this trip from out of the handicap.

Cadeaux Pearl dropped in the weights and bounced back to best to take C&D handicap last month. Confirmed that effort when winning at Kempton a fortnight ago but stable may have stronger claims with Even Stevens.

Sir Geoffrey is a speedy performer who is best on the AW and at this trip. More promise at Kempton last time but behind a couple of these and likely to come up short once more.

Alpha Tauri won two 7f sellers from the front here last year but hard to make a case for over this trip from well out of the handicap.

Dancing Freddy was successful 3 times in 2011. Holding form well this winter but 11 lb out of the handicap and can't be backed with confidence.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Even Stevens
2. Cadeaux Pearl
3. Mottley Crewe

Timeform Verdict: Even Stevens has a magnificent record at this track and he can make it 3 from 3 for the winter under these conditions. Cadeaux Pearl can make it a 1-2 for trainer Scott Dixon, with Mottley Crewe and Colonel Mak looking best of the remainder.

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13:15 - Neither Blue Destination nor Gottany O's really impressed when second and third respectively in a juvenile at Doncaster earlier in the month, but repeat efforts probably get them both in the three in this, with only Wayward Glance and to a lesser extent the Brian Ellison-trained pair Lifetime and Red Inca to fear among the hurdling debutants.

13:45 - Grey Cruzene won't need to be much good to defy a mark of 71 on his first start for Tim Vaughan, and the market this morning suggests connections are expecting him to improve. That said, he's pretty much boom or bust and one that appeals as a more solid option in terms of the placepot is top-weight Tooman Lane, who'll appreciate this return to two and a half miles after his back-to-form effort over the minimum trip at Catterick last time.

14:15 - The majority of these are unexposed and in form, making for a really trappy race. Mission Complete promises to be really well suited by this additional distance and is just about the most likely winner, but Code Blue is equally unexposed and probably merits inclusion too.

14:45 - Frank The Slink has a good amount to find even in receipt of weight in this novice chase, but the other three are all plausible winners and as such it's an obvious move to take Cucumber Run, Mac Aeda and Tiptoeaway.

15:15 - This should really only concern Ashbrittle and Into Wain, and the chances are taking either of them ensures safe passage to the next. Given that the latter is likely to feature in fewer placepots, he goes in as a banker in the hope of a 'result'.

15:45 - Hopeful Start is probably the one to beat in this after running as well as he ever has over fences at Taunton last time, but there's no harm in taking last-time winner Kilcommon Pride too, as he's the only one in the field that can really be described as in any way progressive.

Selections
13:15 - 1, 3
13:45 - 1
14:15 - 1, 3
14:45 - 1, 2, 3
15:15 - 2
15:45 - 3, 4
= 24 lines

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Mission Complete has been a real improver as stamina has been drawn out in handicaps, his Exeter success on New Year's Day number 3 from his last 4 outings. Up another 10 lb, but taken to shrug that off up further in trip.

Andreo Bambaleo vastly improved when winning handicap hurdle at Hexham (2½m) for Simon West last season. Back to that level when placed on first completed start for this yard (blinkered) last time which offers hope.

Code Blue relished the emphasis on stamina when recording victory number 2 in the mud at Haydock last month (3m). Unexposed, especially at staying trips, so 6 lb rise should leave him competitive.

Overyou improved when winning at Cartmel and Hexham at up to 3m this season. However, below form last 2 starts and has since left Elliott Cooper.

Knockando showed a lot to like when powering clear on first crack at 3m when registering first success in very testing ground at Ayr 3 weeks ago. 11 lb rise for that win does make life harder, though.

Dawn Ride tends to save his best for this track (4 of his 5 chase wins gained here). Inferior over hurdles, and though his mark reflects that, he didn't show enough over C&D latest to warrant support.

Oniz Tiptoes is a temperamental stayer who managed to snap a lengthy losing run when getting up on the line at Sedgefield earlier this month. Hard to be confident he'll back that up, and this tougher anyway.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mission Complete
2. Code Blue
3. Knockando

Timeform View: Mission Complete, Code Blue and Knockando are all last-time-out winners who are unexposed at this sort of trip, and they are preferred in that order.

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Mike de Kokk is still to land a blow in the handicaps at Meydan this year but he can rectify that with Mutahadee, who is expected to take plenty of beating in the 12:10. This will be his first start for the yard, having been trained by Tommy Stack in Ireland hitherto, winning on his debut at Dundalk in 2010 before shaping with varying degrees of promise in the face of stiffish tasks on all three of his outings last year. Given de Kokk's record at improving horses he inherits from even the best yards around it will come as no surprise to see Mutahadee competing at a higher level in time, in which case he should surely be capable of winning this handicap off a mark of 105.

The minor event at 12:45 contains several familiar sprinters from Britain and Ireland but they will hopefully have to play second fiddle to Reynaldothewizard, who has progressed well for Satish Seemar since coming from America. He won a couple of non-Carnival events last season, before finishing second behind Barbecue Eddie, and he exacted revenge over that one when taking a similar event on his reappearance with plenty of authority. Reynaldothewizard is unexposed at six furlongs, which increasingly looks to be his best trip, and he should get a good tow into the race from his position in stall 1.

Start Right will no doubt be all the rage in the 13:55 after another eye-catching run last time, but followers of the horse are either approaching the proverbial cliff or are over it already and I would prefer to side with Dubawi Star. John Oxx doesn't travel his horses for the sake of it and Dubawi Star still appeals as being well handicapped despite going up 8 lb for his win at Gowran in August. His two subsequent defeats can easily be excused on account of him not staying over 10.7f at Dundalk and he could have more improvement in him at a mile, a trip he's rarely tackled.

Back Mutahadee to win the 12:10
Back Reynaldothewizard to win the 12:45
Back Dubawi Star to win the 13:55

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Teenage Idol has been let down by sketchy jumping in the past, but not doing much wrong at present, better than ever when winning at Ayr last time. 8 lb rise to overcome now, though.

Cygnet gained his third hurdles win of campaign when beating Geneva Geyser at Uttoxeter in September, but not been in same form since.

Distime is a point/bumper winner. Wasted no time building on promising debut second in this sphere when going one better at Bangor (17f) in November and more to come back up in trip on handicap bow.

Shadows Lengthen is a six-time AW Flat winner who opened jumps account in 19f novice at Catterick in February. Further improvement when winning at Doncaster last time and remains of interest.

Allow Me made the frame all starts prior to getting off the mark in 2½m maiden at Musselburgh in November. Only seventh from stiff opening mark last time, though, and only 1 lb lower now.

Shifting Gold was fit from the Flat when making winning return over hurdles at Sedgefield (2½m). Good third at same track next time, but underlined inconsitency when below form last 2 starts.

Danceintothelight was twice successful last term and sound transition to handicaps when in frame 2 of first 3 starts this season. Took crunching fall last time, however, and hard to support on the back of that.

Vintage Star was placed on all 3 starts in bumpers before making a successful hurdles debut at Carlisle in November. Good efforts next 2 starts and return to further will suit.

Whisky Magic was a front-running hurdler for Howard Johnson, won handicap at Carlisle in 2009. Shaped as if amiss on return, however, and others more solid.

Sam Lord is an ungenuine sort who has crept down to a good mark, but hasn't shown enough of late to think he's ready to take advantage.

Knight Valliant improved when bagging a couple of handicaps last season and better than ever when second in C&D event in November. Trip too far next time and not dismissed.

Amir Pasha further enhanced his course record when landing 2m handicap here on New Year's Day. Longer trip no problem and can make presence felt despite 6 lb rise.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Distime
2. Shadows Lengthen
3. Amir Pasha

Timeform View: The unexposed Distime seems to have got in lightly on his handicap bow and makes plenty of appeal. Shadows Lengthen and Amir Pasha head the dangers.

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Politeo is fairly useful on his day, successful twice over fences early last year. Sound start for new yard when runner-up at Ascot (19f) in November, but attitude hasn't been ideal either outing since.

Carrickmines has been in cracking form over hurdles of late, winning 2 of last 3 starts. Higher mark to contend with over fences but well treated on form he showed when winning Kempton handicap chase 11 months ago.

Vincitore got off mark over fences in maiden at Worcester, and followed up when too strong for Aldertune over same C&D in October. Below form in a couple of handicaps since and others stronger for now.

Fort View tends to race lazily but won 3 of first 4 starts under Rules, including a hunter chase. Disappointing in recent months, however, his appetite for the job in hand not always what it should be.

Flemish Invader is a bumper/hurdles winner who won 2 handicap chases last term, posting career best over this trip at Huntingdon in March. 10-month absence no worry with this yard and expected to give a good account.

Gorge won 3 times on Flat and once over hurdles in Australia. Off mark over fences at first time of asking at Taunton (2m) in November and not disgraced in handicaps since. Stamina a big worry here, though.

Chevy To The Levy is a winning hurdler/chaser who was a fair third of 7 in an amateur event in first-time tongue tie at Fakenham last time. Effective with/without headgear, but too inconsistent for comfort.

Piran is a one-time fairly useful hurdler/chaser, but no show in various headgear since returning from over 3 years on the sidelines.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Carrickmines
2. Flemish Invader
3. Chevy To The Levy

Timeform View: Carrickmines has been in cracking form over hurdles of late, winning twice, and can carry on the good work back over fences. Flemish Invader improved in this sphere last season, and rates the main threat despite a 10-month absence.

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13:00 - Grumeti was extremely impressive on his debut at Taunton last time, travelling kindly under Wayne Hutchinson before finding plenty for pressure in the closing stages to pull fourteen lengths clear of smart flat performer, Ted Spread. Grumeti is likely to improve for his debut run and is prominent in the market for this year's Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. This afternoon is likely to provide him with the extra experience he needs for that contest, and he looks banker material in our opener despite having to concede weight to the entire field.

13:30 - Bellvano is our second banker in quick succession and Nicky Henderson looks to have found him a perfect race in which he can regain the winning thread. Bellvano should be suited by the flat two miles at Newbury this afternoon and has the requisite class and speed to defeat his three rivals. He has always been held in high regard by connections but disappointed last time out at Cheltenham, the feeling being that Prestbury Park doesn't allow the eight-year-old to be seen in his best light. He should run to much better this afternoon and, whilst selecting just the one in what could prove a tactical affair is risky, Bellvano should be capable of landing the money.

14:05 - Carrigmorna King is someway clear of the field based on Timeform ratings and he is the obvious starting point in the third leg, with a reproduction of his latest form definitely enough to see him go close. Novice hurdle contests can often be difficult to predict, however, so we're also going to include Polarbrook, who looks open to a fair amount of progression on his second start. The pair ought to ensure we get through this round and there is always the possibility of doubling-up.

14:35 - The handicapper looks to have a firm grip on the majority of runners at the head of the weights in the fourth race so we're going to side with two less exposed runners further down the field. Kaybeew is a Timeform Horse in Focus and could be capable of better having had just the two runs over fences so far, whilst Glens Boy shaped with promise last time, suggesting he also has more to give in this sphere having recently made the transition from hurdles.

15:10 - Just seven runners and two places paying in the fifth leg and, whilst it is tempting to bank on Araucaria, who has the best form in this race by quite some distance, we're also going to select Brixen, who should improve on her second chasing start. She jumped soundly on debut over the larger obstacles at Exeter, an attribute which ought to stand her in good stead here.

15:40 - My Inheritance comes from the same family as Ghizao and, given the manner of his debut victory last time, he looks the standout selection in the Bumper. He demonstrated signs of inexperience at Ffos Las, and gave the impression he is far from being the finished article so it is realistic to expect improvement here. Of the unraced prospects, it may be worth including the Paul Nicholls-trained Workbench, who wouldn't be entered here if without a chance with jockey Ruby Walsh surely not making the trip over from Ireland for nothing.

Selections:
13:00 - 1
13:30 - 1
14:05 - 4, 12
14:35 - 13, 16
15:10 - 2, 4
15:40 - 1, 16
=16 Lines

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Panjo Bere is potentially on good mark and did offer a bit more than previously this term when fourth over 3m at Kempton last month, though fading as though trip may have stretched him and stamina a worry again.

Ikorodu Road has recaptured some sparkle in cheekpieces the last twice, going down by only a head to progressive Harry The Viking in 3¼m Doncaster handicap last time. Will go close here with repeat.

Sound Stage won twice over fences in 2009/10, and as good as ever in truncated campaign last season. Below par over hurdles on return in October but no surprise if he fares better back chasing.

Wogan won twice at Doncaster early in 2010 for Nicky Henderson. Respectable fourth at Worcester in May but stopped quickly starting out for new yard at Cheltenham at start of this month. Tongue tied now.

Noakarad de Verzee is a prolific winning pointer who returned from 8-month absence to finish second to Battlecry over 3¼m here in November. Nowhere near that form at Wincanton since, however, and needs to bounce back.

Ballyfoy is a former course winner who is potentially down to a good mark and shaped better than result (travelled well long way) starting out for new yard in cheekpieces at Fontwell in November. Can't rule out.

Mister Wiseman made a fine return to action, winning back-to-back handicap chases at Uttoxeter (2½m) from the front. Shot up the weights as a result and checked out tamely at Chepstow since. Unproven over 3m.

Cast Cada was a fairly useful hurdler, but not so good over fences, lucky to open account (left clear) in maiden at Southwell in 2010. No promise back after absence this winter, blinkers not helping last time.

Present M'Lord is a thorough stayer who was last seen making a promising start for this yard when third at Wincanton in October 2010. Fitness not a massive worry on return but this trip could be on sharp side.

Rear Gunner is not most fluent over fences, but revitalised in cheekpieces last term, winning at Kempton a year ago under aggressive ride. Needed the run on return at start of month and should be sharper now.

Marufo returned from 13-month absence to run 2 promising races for this yard in late-summer 2010. Presumably not easy to train but can clearly go well fresh and bold showing would come as no surprise.

Upham Atom won over 25f at Wincanton last March and good efforts all 3 starts since, outpaced before staying on when fourth over this trip at Towcester last month. No reason he won't give running again.

Kaybeew is a lightly-raced sort who made winning start over fences at Ffos Las (3m) in November and ran just as well when second back there the following month. This demands more but he's still unexposed.

Rapid Increase jumped better than usual when back to winning ways at Fontwell (3¼m) last March. Creditable third over 3m on return and has found marathon trips stretching him last twice. This looks more suitable.

Monbeg Dude was an Irish point winner who left hurdles form behind when making winning start over fences in 3m Lingfield handicap in November. This much more competitive but has potential to do better still.

Glens Boy was a dual point winner and no surprise he's left last season's hurdles efforts behind switched to fences/handicaps this term, set to win until hampered final strides at Warwick last time. More to come.

Ceepeegee fared a bit better reverting to fences when chasing home an easy winner at Taunton (2m) last month. Failed to back that up at Plumpton since and bit of a surprise if he opens account here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Marufo
2. Ikorodu Road
3. Ballyfoy

Timeform Verdict: A competitive affair in which a case can be made for quite a few. Philip Hobbs's Marufo goes well fresh and might be worth chancing after a break. Ikorodu Road will go close if backing up last month's Doncaster second, while Ballyfoy hasn't been with Gary Moore long and is down to a tempting mark. Kaybeew and Glens Boy are a couple of other interesting ones towards the bottom of the weights.

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