TimeformBlog

Enroller was a one-time smart performer on Flat (stays 2m), winning Group 3 in 2009. Took big step forward second-time up over hurdles at Taunton (2½m) and tongue strap now fitted.

Eurythmic was a fairly useful maiden up to 1¼m on Flat in Ireland for Charles O'Brien, but has offered little in 3 runs over hurdles.

Hidden showed just modest form on Flat for Brian Meehan in 2010. Good jumping pedigree and showed enough behind Rowan Tiger at Bangor (17f, heavy going) last time to think he'll have a future in this discipline.

High on a Hill was successful for fourth time on Flat when capturing a 1¾m handicap for Sylvester Kirk in October. Never travelling on last month's hurdling debut on heavy going but this run should reveal more.

Oriental Cat is a half-brother to useful hurdler Barwell Bridge. Useful on Flat for John Gosden, but has shown little aptitude for hurdling in 2 starts 8 months apart (ran in Grade 1 first time).

Status Symbol has a smart Flat pedigree and up to useful standard in that sphere (below form latest start last month). Made fair start in bumpers for Giles Bravery back in March 2010 and could have a future over jumps.

Swaling chased home Golden Gael (won 2 of 3 starts over hurdles since) in Exeter bumper in April, travelling best but hanging late on. Tongue tie now fitted on jumps debut and respected.

Tuscan Gold was a fair stayer on Flat for Sir Mark Prescott. Shaped well in testing conditions in warm 2½m Huntingdon novice hurdle last month and improvement looks forthcoming.

Kazlian is an ex-French gelding who was bought for €120,000 in June. Romped home in 2m Ffos Las juvenile hurdle on heavy last month, making all and never in danger. This is tougher but he's clearly a good prospect.

Miss Hilton has shown very little in 2 hurdles (reportedly bled from nose last time).

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Kazlian
2. Tuscan Gold
3. Swaling

Timeform Verdict: This will be tougher than his Ffos Las stroll, but Kazlian couldn't have won any easier that day and could be set to go in again. Tuscan Gold looks a sure-fire improver and rates a big danger, while Swaling is interesting after a promising debut in a bumper in the spring.

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We begin with the most valuable race of the day, the limited handicap chase for novices at Taunton, in which Rangitoto (14:10) holds strong claims of remaining unbeaten over fences. Paul Nicholls' former point winner has done little wrong since joining the trainer and, having impressed when winning an 18-runner handicap hurdle at Chepstow in November on his seasonal return, he confirmed the impression that he's going to progress into a smart chaser when following up on his fencing debut at Wincanton (beat next-time-out winner Webberys Dream) on Boxing Day. With question marks over most of his five rivals, Rangitoto looks a good bet to confirm himself a most exciting prospect this afternoon.

The second bet of the day comes at the same track an hour later when Carrickmines (15:10) lines up in the three-mile handicap hurdle. A stable stalwart for Dr Richard Newland over the years, Carrickmines may now be into the veteran stages but he shows no signs of slowing down, his course-and-distance win in early December merely compensation for his blunder two out at Wincanton a week earlier. Carrickmines' latest third to the progressive Water Garden at Ascot (travelled strongly for long way but dropped out/taken wide) suggested he still has more to offer and, in a race lacking strength in depth, Richard Johnson can steer him to victory again.

Whilst Andrew Balding is a respected trainer, especially with his winters forays on the all-weather, his seven-year-old mare Perfect Act (16:25) doesn't look the force of old and should be taken on in the six-furlong fillies' handicap at Wolverhampton. Granted, Perfect Act has been dropped a staggering 13 lb since her latest outing in similar company (just two starts ago) but she couldn't get the job done in a Kempton seller(worried out of it close home) last time and looks vulnerable again with the likes of the in-form Chester Deelyte and the unexposed Wishbone heading the competition.

Back Rangitoto @ 2.86 in the 14:10 at Taunton
Back Carrickmines @ 5.2 in the 15:10 at Taunton
Lay Perfect Act @ 3.3 in the 16:25 at Wolverhampton

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Vino Griego is not straightforward but ran a blinder third start back in 3m listed handicap chase at Ascot, going strongly before mistake 2 out. Off same mark here but taking on some unexposed sorts.

Balzaccio is a winning hurdler who mopped up a couple of soft chases in October (both 2½m). Struggled back in handicap last time, though, and needs to improve for step up in trip now.

Rangitoto was a progressive hurdler who was always going to make his mark over fences and duly delivered at first time of asking in 21f Wincanton novice last month. Exciting chasing prospect.

Time For Spring is an Irish point winner who won over hurdles and made successful start over fences at Carlisle (2½m) in October. Back to form at Ludlow last time and 5 lb rise not too harsh. Still unexposed.

Master Fiddle was a progressive hurdler who had a breathing operation in the summer. Going well when unseating just after halfway on chase bow at Newbury in November and will do a good deal better over fences.

Made In Time is a winning hurdler who made successful start over fences in 2½m novice handicap at Ffos Las. Unseated twice since (favourite last time), which must raise doubts taking on some exciting prospects now.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Rangitoto
2. Master Fiddle
3. Vino Griego

Timeform View: An interesting race that can go to Rangitoto who looks a most exciting chasing prospect. Master Fiddle won't be long in leaving his Newbury experience behind and looks the main danger ahead of Vino Griego, who ran a blinder off his current mark at Ascot last month.

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Street Act looks the one to be on in the 12:15 following a promising effort at the track a week ago. He took a while to get off the mark but his form this season is strong, chasing home the much-improved Sarbola on his reappearance before beating Earth Tour in a maiden over today's course and distance. He went very close to following up last time and it's that effort that makes him of definite interest again, forced brutally wide throughout yet still hitting the front inside the final 2f before those exertions told late on. The way he travelled suggests there is more in the tank and whilst acknowledging he's probably not the most straightforward, that trait does at least ensure he still has some scope off his current mark.

The 13.30 contains several disappointing sorts and it provides Angel's Pursuit with the perfect opportunity to enhance the fine record of Irish raiders at the Carnival. He's a recent addition to the David Marnane yard having been a smart performer in his prime for Richard Hannon, and there are reasons for thinking that he's still capable of that sort of form. He made a winning start for Marnane in a minor event at Dundalk, admittedly not needing to be at his best but he travelled with a degree of purpose and won with plenty to spare. He finds himself off a mark of 98 now, 4 lb lower than when shaping well in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket last year, and he's of definite interest in race that won't take a lot of winning.

Lord Tiger has a similar profile to Street Act in many respects, needing a few starts to get off the mark but really improving of late and he is taken to build on a promising effort and land the concluding handicap at 14:45. He just got tired over a mile on his reappearance when fourth behind Doon Kalal and was only beaten a nose last time by Mark To Market, faring best of those up with the pace and unfortunate not to hold on. He's 3 lb higher today but that form is solid, he's well drawn and the way he travels suggests he should have no problem with the drop to 6f.

Back Street Act to win the 12.15
Back Angel's Pursuit to win the 13.30
Back Lord Tiger to win the 14.45

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Alben Star won first 2 starts as a juvenile in 2010 but not seen since October of that year (gelded in meantime). Given a bit of a chance by handicapper and respected if market suggests he's fancied on return.

Street Power boasts a very good strike rate over 6f/7f on polytrack. Last year's campaign ended as early as April, but confirmed ability was intact so can't rule out if fully tuned-up for seasonal return.

Pick A Little improved last year, winning 4 times, including over C&D. Left Ron Hodges since last seen in August, and not out of question he could go on again for new yard this year.

Volcanic Dust won 2 turf handicaps in 2011 and looked unlucky when fourth of 7 at Kempton last month, short of room for much of final 2f. Clearly on a good mark and needs considering.

Forever's Girl's first of 2 wins in 2011 was achieved over C&D in April. That was a sixth victory round here but this sort of mark looks just beyond her judged by last month's fourth of 9 over C&D.

Woolfall Sovereign's belated first try down at 6f produced a career best when nabbing C&D handicap last time. Didn't have much to spare but unexposed as a sprinter and should still be competitive after 3 lb rise.

Frequency is a tremendously tough gelding who gained his eighth win of 2011 when scoring here over 7f in November. No problem with drop back in trip, but never been this high in the weights.

Restless Bay won 3 times over C&D in 2011, most recently handicap off 4 lb lower mark. Creditable third here (7f) on penultimate start and race not run to suit last time.

Night Trade won twice for Deborah Sanderson in August (handicap/seller). Largely held form well since, including when 2½ lengths third of 9 to Dorback in C&D handicap last time.

Captain Scooby rattled up hat-trick on turf in September, and held form well since. Again finished strongly when fourth at Southwell last time and this step back up in trip can only help his cause.

Hotham has been hit and miss since regaining winning thread at Thirsk (6f) in July, though excused last 2 below-par runs on fibresand. All 11 wins achieved on turf, so is easy to have reservations about.

Caldercruix appreciated drop in trip when regaining the winning thread over C&D last month. Matched that in defeat here off 6 lb higher mark since and likely to be thereabouts once again.

Earlsmedic got back to winning ways at Kempton in August and ran a cracker when second there last time despite missing break/forced to challenge wide. Every chance of going one better here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Earlsmedic
2. Volcanic Dust
3. Alben Star

Timeform Verdict: A competitive handicap. Earlsmedic and Volcanic Dust both looked a little unlucky last time and could be the pair to focus on, the former just getting the nod. The lightly-raced Alben Star is also an interesting runner back from an absence, particularly if the market speaks in his favour.

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Godolphin have made a habit of purchasing high-end handicappers with the newly-named Dubai World Cup Carnival in mind, and one of their batch of recruits, Start Right, can get them off to the perfect start by taking the 1m handicap at 17:00. It's fair to say that Start Right was a frustrating customer for Luca Cumani last year but, while he failed to win in 2010, he shaped really well on three of his four starts, including when second to Highland Knight at Sandown on his final one, and has long left the impression that he's up to landing a big pot. The fact that he's been off since July isn't a concern - indeed, it was reported at the time that he would be put away with Dubai in mind - and he should have too much class for his rivals.

There is only one thing surer than a Godolphin victory at Meydan and that's a victory for Mike de Kokk. The South African handler has a number of runners on day one, but his best chance on the card is Mahbooba in the Al Rashidiya Trial at 17:35. She was something of a flag bearer for de Kokk last year, winning the UAE 1000 Guineas before going on to finished placed in both the UAE Oaks and Derby. She then came over to England, where she improved to land a listed contest at Newmarket despite racing freely, while she was far from disgraced on her final start when sixth in a Grade 1 event in Canada. Needless to say, this is far easier, and it will be disappointing if she doesn't get her head in front.

The final bet is a touch more speculative. The 16-runner handicap at 18:15 which rounds off proceedings is competitive, to put it mildly, but Dandy Boy should go close having won first time out at Meydan last year. He didn't show anything in three subsequent outings, his last two in Ireland coming on the back of an eight-month absence, but hopefully it's been a case of David Marnane focusing all attention on getting Dandy Boy back to Dubai in peak condition rather the horse simply being regressive - he is worth risking at what, hopefully, will be a value price.

Timeform Dubai SmartPlays
Back Start Right to win the 17:00
Back Mahbooba to win the 17:35
Back Dandy Boy to win and place in the 18:15

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Grams And Ounces left Seamus Durack and much improved for new yard to win handicaps at Hereford and Leicester (tongue tied latter occasion). 10 lb higher mark (including penalty) may not prevent hat-trick.

Credit Swap was the Cambridgeshire winner in 2010 who made winning hurdling debut at Leicester a year ago. Not progressed as expected since, well held in 2 handicaps this term, but yard back in better form now.

Pepite Rose was a fairly useful juvenile last season, scoring twice after coming over from France. Moved well for much of race when fourth of 11 to Grams And Ounces at Leicester last time, but that one still preferred.

Sahrati is a one-time useful performer on Flat who racked up a quick-fire hat-trick over hurdles in summer of 2010. Let down by attitude since, though, and can't be supported at present.

Alwaystheoptimist got back to form when winning heavy-ground event at Punchestown in February. Not at best of late, leaving Brendan Duke since last seen in November, but no shock if he fares better for new yard here.

If I Were A Boy is a dual Flat winner who is relatively unexposed over hurdles and ran her best race to date when 5 lengths second of 6 to Ananda Kanda (good runner-up since) in C&D mares handicap last time.

Dirty Bertie made a winning start for this yard in Towcester bumper in October, but yet to really build on that over hurdles and needs to find fair bit of improvement to defy this opening handicap mark.

Canadian Diamond made most to win Sligo bumper in May 2011 for Paul Nolan but yet to make any significant impact over hurdles, well-beaten fourth on handicap bow at Warwick last time.

Roybuoy was no great shakes for Michael Hourigan and laboured fourth of 15 in C&D claimer on first start for this yard last month. Harsh-looking opening mark and very much the stable second string on form.

Jolly Roger won juvenile hurdle for John Flint in 2010 and made successful chase debut for Evan Williams here (2½m) in October. Let down by jumping/below form since, including back hurdling of late.

Tayarat is a front-running hurdler who won 2m Huntingdon handicap for this yard in October, but bombed all 3 starts after and never been one to rely on. Usual tongue tie dispensed with this time.

Crazy Bold has been more miss than hit since last win at Market Rasen in May 2010, one of his better efforts when third at Warwick penultimate start. Rather predicatbly flopped since and far too risky for comfort.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Grands And Ounces
2. Pepite Rose
3. Credit Swap

Timeform View: Grams And Ounces has been a revelation since joining John Flint and can complete a quick-fire hat-trick. Pepite Rose was fourth behind the selection last time and should get a bit closer now, while her stablemate Credit Swap could easily leave this autumn's efforts behind with the yard in better form of late.

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Clockmaker won twice in 2011, most recently 7f Wolverhampton handicap in December when impressive. Just as good in defeat at Lingfield later that month, digging deep to hold third place.

Dozy Joe won 6f maiden/AW nursery at 2 yrs. Limited to just 4 runs in 2011, career-best second here on return in May but not so good in competitive 3-y-o handicaps after. Plenty to find in this class.

Hazzard County is a quirky handicapper who is best on polytrack and came good at this time last year. However, big ask to take some of these scalps on unfavourable terms.

Kakatosi won 4 times at 7f in 2010, including over C&D. Drew a blank in 2011, that said ran well enough on several occasions to suggest he'll be a threat.

Nazreef is 5 from 6 on AW (7f/1m), and revitalised by headgear when posting first turf win at Goodwood (1m) in October. Kept ticking over with 2 spins hurdling of late and by no means out of this.

Quasi Congaree improved to win 6f Newmarket handicap in August and stays this far. Mountain to climb out of handicap company, though, so must look elsewhere.

The Rectifier is a front-runner who won twice in 2010 for Stef Higgins. Creditable in-frame efforts in listed races/Group 3 last year barring final start, and form pick on AW debut if that was a one-off flop.

Treadwell won 7f Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2010 and best effort since when 5-lengths fourth of 6 to Oasis Dancer in minor event at Wolverhampton last month. Still way short of best, though.

Amitola has been right back to her best of late, making all to win 7f handicap at Lingfield in November and good second there since. No surprise if she was in the mix again given her current well-being.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. The Rectifier
2. Kakatosi
3. Clockmaker

Timeform Verdict: Barring a blip on his final 2011 start, The Rectifier held his own in better company than this, and is now fancied to resume winning ways at the chief expense of Kakatosi and Clockmaker.

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Ghostwing has been cut some slack by the handicapper and first signs that he might be ready to capitalise when fast-finishing second on fibresand debut last week. Claims if able to build on it.

Clear Ice won a trio of sprint handicaps last year, last 2 at Brighton after joining this stable. Looked in need of the run on last month's return to action but probably high enough in the weights.

Dancing Freddy was successful 3 times in a busy 2011 (including here). Shaped as if still in form when fifth over C&D recently and should give his running once more.

Love You Louis is a speedy handicapper who won 3 times in 2010, twice at Folkestone and at Kempton. Failed to beat a rival in 2 runs in 2011, though, and something to prove on first start since June.

Rylee Mooch is a front runner who has held form since winning at Carlisle (5f) in July. Creditable third over C&D last week but work to do with Ghostwing on that display.

Grudge won a 5f Wolverhampton seller in June. Patchy form since, however, and hasn't shown his form at this track for a good while now.

Shawkantango was progressive on fibresand early last year (all 4 wins have come at Southwell) and best run for some time when third at Wolverhampton last week. Leading claims if building on that.

No Mean Trick got his career back on track with win over C&D in August and went in again at Wolverhampton (5f) last month. Another good run at latter venue last week and no reason he won't give his running again.

Bookiesindex Boy is a speedster who has found life tough since winning over 5f in February, often finding little under pressure. This track suits him well but usually worth taking on.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Shawkantango
2. Ghostwing
3. Rylee Mooch

Timeform View: Shawkantango showed that he was on the way back at Wolverhampton last week and he can record another win at his favourite track. Ghostwing and Rylee Mooch could give the selection most to think about.

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Timeform take a look at a competitive conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Taunton...


The Jigsaw Man made all to win listed hurdle at Sandown in April. Largely creditable efforts mixing hurdles/fences during the summer, but pulled up over hurdles when last seen in July and has a bit to prove.

Street Entertainer was much improved when winning twice this spring. Good third in valuable handicap at Market Rasen in July and possibly found race coming too soon at Galway later that month. Interesting back from break.

Prince Taime developed into a very useful hurdler in 2009 for Philip Hobbs. Nothing like so good over fences despite winning at Southwell when last seen in April 2010, and well-being to prove for new stable.

Tasheba was a useful hurdler on his day, but form went to pot after last year's return. Switch to this yard has failed to stop the rot, including on the Flat last time. Change of headgear tried now.

Salontyre put up just about a career-best effort when landing a 7-runner C&D handicap last month, showing an excellent attitude. Regularly fell short off lower marks prior to that, so opposable up 5 lb now.

The Reformer was runner-up on sole bumper start, and took just 2 goes to get off mark over hurdles. Tongue tied and ran poorly in valuable Sandown handicap in the spring, but given a break and remains unexposed.

Dubai Crest was a useful Flat performer and finally ran to a level more in keeping with those exploits when making a successful handicap debut at Doncaster. 5 lb rise seems fair and now up in trip.

Arab League has taken well to hurdles for new yard, winning couple of novice events at up to 2½m. Respectable efforts in handicaps the last twice (helped set strong pace at Wincanton) but this no easier.

Harry Tricker is back on the same mark he won from over hurdles in 2009. Has since added a couple of chase wins, but has turned in 2 reluctant displays this season over timber, and new headgear combination tried now.

Mister Chancer was off 7 months and back on the up over hurdles when making a successful handicap debut over C&D earlier in the month. 6 lb rise still leaves him very competitive with the prospect of more to come.

Cantabilly is a winning handicap hurdler who wasn't far short of best when twice in frame over fences last term. Let down by jumping/attitude at times this season, so others arrive here in better heart.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Mister Chancer
2. The Reformer
3. Street Entertainer

Timeform View: A good-class handicap for conditional jockeys to round off an interesting card. Mister Chancer's 6 lb rise for his C&D win earlier in the month looks fair and he's taken to go in again, though the likes of The Reformer, Street Entertainer and Dubai Crest are other unexposed sorts who will ensure he doesn't have things all his own way.


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