TimeformBlog

Timeform run the rule over a quality renewal of the Grade 1 Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on Thursday...


Gimli's Rock is a slick hurdler and scored 4 times over timber in 2010, including in Grade 2 at Down Royal. Not been at best this term, though, and faces a stiff task here.

Luska Lad is a tough front runner who held his own at the top level over hurdles in 2010/11, at a variety of trips, and made a satisfactory return at Tipperary in October. Career-best effort needed here, though.

Moon Dice has taken off since being switched to handicaps, winning the ultra-competitive Galway Hurdle in July and a good fourth in Greatwood at Cheltenham last time. This requires quite a bit more.

Oscars Well was an impressive winner of 2 Grade 1 novice hurdles last term prior to finishing fourth in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham. Been a shade disappointing this term, behind Thousand Stars last time.

The Real Article has not taken long to develop into a very smart hurdler, winning Grade 2s in October and November before a good third in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse earlier this month. Place claims.

Thousand Stars is a tough and reliable performer. Won Grade 1s at Auteuil (3m) in June and Punchestown (2m) in November, making all to beat Oscars Well in latter. Looks the one to beat again.

Voler la Vedette is a consistent mare with an impressive wins-to-runs ratio. Better than ever when beating Mourad by 3½ lengths in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse last time, but won Grade 2 event here yesterday.

Unaccompanied is a lsted winner on the Flat who wasn't far off the best juvenile hurdlers last season, second to Zarkandar in the Triumph. Made the most of a good opportunity last time and may yet do better.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Thousand Stars
2. Unaccompanied
3. Oscars Well

Timeform View:Thousand Stars has built up an impressive CV in Grade 1 contests over the past couple of seasons and looks to have this contest at his mercy after the withdrawal of Hurricane Fly. Of the others, Voler La Vedette seems an unlikely runner after winning yesterday, so young pretender Unaccompanied is the most viable alternative, with Oscars Well taken to complete the 3.


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Paul Nicholls won the Lexus Chase with What A Friend two years ago and is back with Noland, but he will have to be at his very best to compete with the strong home defence headed by Rubi Light and Quito de La Roque...


Cooldine is without a win since runaway success in 2009 RSA Chase at Cheltenham and has looked a shadow of his former self in 2 starts this term, finding little when push came to shove in tongue tie latest.

Follow The Plan isn't the easiest to catch right, and though he's a very smart chaser on his day, his breakthrough at the top level came in a race that fell apart around him at Punchestown last May. Others preferred.

Joncol was a dual Grade 1 winner in 2009/10 and run with credit at that level several times since, most recently when 5 lengths second to Rubi Light at Punchestown (2½m). Return to longer trip will suit.

Magnanimity is a rangy gelding who progressed well as a novice last term, winning twice prior to going close in Grade 1s at Leopardstown and Cheltenham. Unexposed at 3m but does need to improve to feature.

Noland took 2 graded chases over 2½m in Ireland in 2008. Hasn't stood much racing since, though, and success in AON Chase at Newbury last term leaves him with a bit to find in this company.

Quito de La Roque boasts cracking strike rate, especially over fences, and typically found plenty for pressure when outstaying rivals at Down Royal for latest success. Drying ground no problem and accorded respect.

Roberto Goldback landed 3m listed chase at Cork in 2010/11 and might have followed up but for unseating last in Grade 1 at Punchestown. Moved yards after and doesn't seem to have returned in the same sort of form.

Rubi Light developed into high-class chaser and should be unbeaten this season, falling at last when clear on return before winning John Durkan at Punchestown. First try beyond 2½m here.

Synchronised underlined stamina was strong suit when capturing Welsh National last term and showed himself to be in good heart when third in 'fixed brush' hurdle at Haydock last time. Could pick up a place.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Rubi Light
2. Quito de La Roque
3. Joncol

Timeform View: Quito de La Roque's record is hard to fault, but with the ground less testing than usual for this time of year, he could struggle to cope with the speedier Rubi Light, who is clearly at the top of his game. Joncol is the likeliest candidate to chase them home.


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Can Long Run again withstand the formidable challenge of Kauto Star as he did in the King George last year, or will the resurgent hero confirm the form of his gripping Betfair Chase victory? Timeform bring you their thoughts on the clash of the jumps season so far...


Captain Chris made giant strides over fences, fulfilling expectations when landing the Arkle. Upsides when unseating last on reappearance at Exeter last month and interesting contender on first try at 3m.

Diamond Harry put in a top-class performance when winning Hennessy sole start last season. Travelled well before tiring late when fourth in Betfair Chase on recent return, but likely to come up short once more.

Golan Way enjoyed the run of things when springing a surprise in a listed race at Sandown earlier this month, but biting off more than he can chew pitched in against the cream of the crop here.

Kauto Star is the standout chaser of his generation seeking a fifth win in this race. Raised the roof when making all to see off Long Run in Betfair Chase last month and sure to make presence felt once more.

Long Run rose to the top of the chasing ranks when landing this race and Cheltenham Gold Cup last season. Not fluent when chasing home Kauto Star in Betfair Chase last month, but bound to be sharper now.

Master Minded is one of best 2m chasers for many years. More like old self when beating Somersby at Ascot (19f) last month and danger to all if stamina holds out at this much longer trip.

Nacarat is a top-class chaser at best who boasts a good record around flat tracks, but plenty to prove following a couple of subdued efforts this winter.

Somersby is a bold jumper who is something of a perennial bridesmaid at the top level. Gives impression this trip is within reach, but tongue strap needs to enable him to pull out a fair bit more.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Long Run
2. Kauto Star
3. Master Minded

Timeform View: Kauto Star bids to rewrite the history books with a fifth win in this race, but last year's victor Long Run will be a lot sharper for his recent Haydock reversal and has sound prospects of defending his crown if keeping the errors down. Master Minded is a fascinating contender on his first try at 3m and will be a danger to all if his stamina holds out.



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Timeform's Irish SmartPlays team bring you three selections for Dundalk's final meeting of 2011.


Maude Adams (17:00) faces nothing of the calibre of Twirl in the opening maiden and should make it third time lucky for the Kevin Prendergast yard. The daughter of Rock of Gibraltar stepped up markedly on her debut effort when runner-up to Aidan O'Brien's exciting prospect at Leopardstown (7f) last month and Sindjara gave a boost to that form when winning at today's track last week. Maude Adams sets a clear standard and looks a solid bet at 3.3.

Elusive Ridge (17:30) may not be an obvious one to want to oppose in the mile minor event, clearly thriving after winning his last two starts at the course, but he shouldn't be a shade of odds on in what is a pretty competitive affair. Napa Starr and Tell The Wind have the ability to trouble the favourite if on song, whilst Jamesie is entitled to have improved for his latest start and won't be inconvenienced by the step up in trip. Laying Elusive Ridge to win at around the 1.96 seems a sensible plan.

Tribes and Banner (20:30) caught the eye over an inadequate trip at the track last time, doing well to get as close as he did to Knockgraffon Lad given that he lost several lengths at the start. The return to a mile and a half looks a big plus, especially given that he was successful here on his only previous try at the trip, and Tribes And Banner definitely shaped like one that was still ahead of this mark last time. Prices around 7.0 look very generous.


Timeform SmartPlays

Back Maude Adams at 3.3 in the 17:00
Lay Elusive Ridge to win at 1.92 in the 17:30
Back Tribes and Banner at 7.0 in 20:30


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Timeform bring you a runner-by-runner guide to a competitive handicap chase at Hereford...

Milo Milan made steady progress over hurdles last season, and continued the good work over fences when scoring on reappearance at Bangor last month despite a few mistakes. Up 10 lb but type to go on improving.

Sherwani Wolf left his previous hurdles efforts behind when scoring in the mud at Chepstow in February. Fared as well as could be expected behind Invictus on chase bow over C&D, jumping soundly on the whole.

Mud Monkey is an enthusiastic front runner who won at Huntingdon (2½m) a year ago. Still going well when unseating rider on recent return and not one to be giving an easy lead to.

Nataani landed an Irish bumper in 2008, and steadily progressive in 3 novice hurdles given belated jumping career this term. Pitched straight into a handicap now chasing (twice-raced in points).

Mallusk Runner-up in Irish points prior to making a successful handicap/chase debut at Uttoxeter a year ago. Not in same form both starts after, but capable fresh and returns with stable among the winners.

Bradford Boris is better over fences than hurdles, winning twice in March 2010. Had season to forget last term, and though back to best at Wincanton on reappearance, he folded tamely over 2m here last time.

Quiamo Malta is a winning hurdler, but never really took to fences in last couple of seasons for Paul Nolan in Ireland. Not seen since the spring, and has a fair bit to prove starting out for a new stable.

Mylord Collonges Sound jumper who has been lightly raced in recent seasons, but best effort for some time when landing 11-runner handicap at Wincanton. 8 lb rise probably leaves this veteran vulnerable.

Magot de Grugy is not an easy ride, but took advantage of handicapper's generosity when making a winning return from absence for this yard at Fontwell. Stamina just stretched over 25f latest, so still in form.

Nomadic Warrior ended last season in rousing fashion by bagging a brace of handicap chases up to 21f. Improved a chunk for the second of them in March and 5 lb rise very fair if ready to go with this trip no worry.

Dont Tell Sailor is a Point winner who has improved for the switch to handicaps, scoring twice at Uttoxeter in recent months at up to 3m. Type to go on progressing, but this a much more competitive affair.

Rigadin de Beauchene was much improved when runner-up over hurdles at Lingfield in January 2010, but gone the wrong way since, showing little aptitude for fences with 2 falls in the last few weeks.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Milo Milan
2. Sherwani Wolf
3. Mallusk

Timeform View: Milo Milan has done nothing but improve so far, and can shrug off a 10 lb rise and keep his unbeaten record in handicaps intact. Sherwani Wolf and the returning Mallusk rate the chief dangers.


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Timeform run the rule over a competitive handicap chase at Ludlow on Wednesday...


Cast Cada was a fairly useful hurdler, but not so good over fences, lucky to open account (left clear) in 3-finisher maiden at Southwell in 2010. No promise on return here and blinkers now added to usual tongue tie.

Fort View tends to race lazily but won 3 of first 4 starts under Rules, including 3m Huntingdon handicap in April. Disappointing both comeback starts this autumn, however, so hard to be confident now.

Ten Fires was a fairly useful staying chaser in Ireland, and would have run close to form but for falling heavily last (challenging for second at time) at Punchestown in October. Has left Dessie Hughes since.

Edgeover won a maiden chase at Market Rasen in June 2010, and having first start since when encouraging third of 6 in handicap hurdle at Leicester recently. However, often looked temperamental in the past.

Chapolimoss was much improved on second start for Lawney Hill when scoring at Worcester in August and followed up at Bangor in November. Another 8 lb higher but still rates a leading player.

Time For Spring is an Irish point winner who won over hurdles and made successfful start over fences at Carlisle (2½m) in October. Didn't get up the hill at Cheltenham after, and this easier track should suit better.

Made In Time is a winning hurdler who made successful start over fences in 2½m novice handicap at Ffos Las last month. Still going well when unseating ninth at Newbury since and good chance he'll atone for that here.

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. Tries longer trip now.

Pyracantha left Alan Swinbank after breaking duck over fences in April. Returned to form in first-time cheekpieces at Bangor September, and ran close to that level when third at Hereford last time.

Chesapeake notched a second chase win at Newton Abbot (3¼m) in September. Gone to pot since (let down by jumping), so no surprise Tony McCoy prefers Made In Time.

Battlecry is not the force of old, but back to winning ways in 3¼m handicap chase off much-reduced mark at Newbury last time. That was a weak amateur event, but still fairly treated on his old form.

Always Bold bounced back to best for new yard, landing back-to-back handicap hurdles at Fontwell (27f) in November. Bit disappointing on hat-trick bid last time, though, and bit to prove back chasing.

Only Witness Improved in cheekpieces to win staying handicap hurdles at Worcester and Plumpton. Suddenly got act together over fences when second of 10 at Huntingdon last time, and headgear now back on.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Made In Time
2. Time Form Spring
3. Chapolimoss

Timeform View: Made In Time was still moving sweetly when unseating last time and is worth another chance having cruised to victory on his chase debut prior to that. Time For Spring didn't get home at Cheltenham last time but should find this easier track more to his liking, while the hat-trick seeking Chapolimoss can't be discounted either.


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Timeform take a look at a tight little novices' handicap chase at Taunton on Tuesday...

Doeslessthanme got off the mark over fences on debut for this yard at Fontwell in October. Let down by jumping since, making several errors when second to Super Formen here last time, and blinkers reapplied now.

Golan Guy is a hold-up performer who made a successful chase debut at Downpatrick in September for Tony Martin. Reportedly lame when below best over hurdles last time, and bit to prove starting out for new yard now.

Oldrik is a useful handicap hurdler who made a winning return to this sphere when taking a 5-runner handicap over 19f here 12 days ago. Raised 6 lb for that, but ought to be competitive again.

Tiger O'Toole developed into useful handicap hurdler last season, winning 3 times up to 2½m, but not built to make a chaser, and has failed to complete on both starts in this sphere to date.

Falcon Island is already better over fences than he was over hurdles, and gained second chase win when making all to score in game style at Ludlow last time. Should get run of things again here, and much respected.

Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Falcon Island
2. Oldrik
3. Doeslessthanme


Timeform Verdict: Doeslessthanme looks risky with his jumping continuing to look ragged, and he's opposable despite form claims. Oldrik merits respect after breaking his chasing duck last time, but preference is for Falcon Island, who is thriving, and may well get an easy time of things in front.


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A disappointing start to the week was soon turned around on Saturday afternoon, with a Nicholls Ascot treble which included the fourteenth consecutive win of the phenomenal Big Buck's...


Those who had started to question the form of Nicholls earlier in the week were forced to eat their words come Saturday, a day which typically sees the stable come alive.

After just one winner from his previous 16 runners prior to Saturday, Nicholls landed an Ascot treble courtesy of successes from Aerial, Big Buck's and The Minack.

Nicholls sent a strong team to Ascot, the only course where he had runners this weekend, and he couldn't have got off to a better start as Aerial ran out a ten-length winner of the two-and-a-half mile Graduation Chase.

Although the race fell apart to some degree, Aerial's main rivals putting in numerous mistakes and all but forfeiting their chances of victory, he himself travelled and jumped with noticeable enthusiasm under Ruby Walsh. Saturday's performance was an improvement on his PP Gold Cup fourth, posting a Timeform rating of 144+, and he looks set to continue on an upward curve even if he is going to find things more difficult back in handicaps.

Big Buck's (rated 176+) extended his record to fourteen successive victories in the following race, the Long Walk Hurdle, taking well to the task of racing right-handed for the first time in his career. David Pipe's Dynaste set the early pace and, turning for home, looked to have Big Buck's under a bit of pressure, but the three-times World Hurdle Champion closed the gap on the leader in a matter of strides before staying on well to secure an eight-length victory, the bare form of which has been rated 152. Five Dream (143) ran on to finish second, completing a Nicholls 1-2, but the race truly belonged to Big Buck's who was securing his third victory in the Long Walk Hurdle and now looks all set to defend his Cheltenham Crown in March. Five Dream is likely to be targeted at the Cleeve Hurdle and, in the absence of his illustrious stablemate, may have a live outside chance of victory.

The Minack (157p) soon completed a treble for the big-race Saturday duo, showing stamina to be his forte in the three-mile handicap chase, travelling strongly and staying on impressively to land a six-length victory. This was The Minack's fourth victory in five career starts over fences and he looks set to give a good account of himself in the future, with the Welsh National a possible short-term target. The Minack jumps well and clearly stays, so a tilt at the Aintree Grand National could be in the offing come April, although that race may come a year too early for him given his limited experience thus far.

Prospect Wells (143+) ran encouragingly in the Ladbroke Hurdle but was unable to complete the Nicholls four-timer, held up in touch and travelling well for much of the way before delivering his challenge inside the final two furlongs. He was unable to land a winning blow given the way the race panned out, and will be better suited in future by a more strongly-run race. The totesport Trophy could be his next target, whilst he is likely to hold every chance in the Supreme Novice Hurdles in the Spring, with further improvement still likely from the lightly-raced six-year-old.

Brampour and Tonic Mellysse were unable to match the efforts of Prospect Wells in the same race, finishing eleventh and fifteenth respectively, the ground arguably the undoing of the former, whilst the latter failed to settle given the slow early pace. Brampour could now be targeted at the Champion Hurdle, with his handicap mark now making him difficult to place in the following weeks.


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Babe Heffron made a winning return from a break on soft ground at Lingfield in January. Matched that on final start for Tom George in May, but soundly beaten starting out for new yard at Chepstow recently.

Midnight Tuesday was a good third to Master of The Hall at Newbury on hurdles debut, but disappointing on sole start last year. Has the build of a chaser, and needs consideration on first start/handicap bow for David Pipe.

Valley View was successful on chase debut at Folkestone (2m) in February, and belatedly built on that when scoring at Towcester (19f) last month, jumping fluently. Can build on that, and sets the standard here.

Great's Autrechene was better over fences than hurdles in France, winning twice for Eric Vagne. Latest win came on a lively surface, and he must prove he can handle underfoot conditions on debut for new yard.

Rebeccas Choice's sole win came in a 25f heavy-ground handicap hurdle at Warwick in December 2009, but consistent on the whole, and ran well when second to Owen Glendower on chase bow at Ludlow last month.

Pocket Aces was back to his best when switched to fences in 2009/10, winning 2 novices. Last season a write-off, often let down by jumping, but dropped in the weights and went with more promise on last month's return.

Massini Sunset made all to win back-to-back handicap chases at around this trip in January. None too reliable, but has place claims if repeating latest third of 15 at Chepstow on similarly testing ground.

Humbel Ben is twice a winner at up to 2½m over hurdles, last win coming off 6 lb higher mark. Yet to convince over fences, but caught the eye at Sedgefield in September, and claims if building on that now.

Stoway is clearly hard to train given stop-start career, finishing second on debut for new yard at Taunton in January. Respectable third in first-time tongue tie at Bangor last month, but much more needed.

The Grifter returned from 18-month absence to make the frame twice over hurdles in spring 2010. Fair fourth on handicap bow in January, but not seen since, and bit to prove now tackling fences.

Solitary Palm is well handicapped on best chase efforts, and latest second at Taunton represents a return to form, but he's proven frustrating in the past, and not one to trust implicitly.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Valley View
2. Midnight Tuesday
3. Pocket Aces

Timeform View: Valley View impressed under Maurice Linehan at Towcester last time, and can follow up if in the same mood. Biggest danger may be the chase debutant Midnight Tuesday, while Pocket Aces hinted at a return to form last time.

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Aachen easily landed hat-trick in novice events in 2008/9, proving himself a useful hurdler in the process. Lightly-raced since, but ability remains intact judged by recent promising return at Sandown.

Riptide isn't straightforward (often soon off bridle), but had his share of success over jumps. Good campaign on Flat for new yard, and this easier than last month's task in big-field Cheltenham handicap.

Arbor Supreme was a smart chaser at best for Willie Mullins, second in Bobbyjo Chase last season. Beaten a long way out on return/first start for this stable over hurdles here recently, so of no short-term interest.

Westlin' Winds was fit from Flat when winning 21f Market Rasen handicap hurdle in July. Not as good since, and well behind sixth-home Aachen in a competitive handicap at Sandown last time.

Garton King won all 3 starts in points last year, and looked a horse to follow when winning 3m novice at Exeter on hurdles bow 14 months ago. Not sighted since, but still holds leading claims on handicap debut.

Cloudy Too is a point winner who improved to get off mark over hurdles at Sedgefield (2½m) in March. Failed to complete all 3 chase starts this season, and laboured back over the smaller obstacles last time.

Devotion To Duty got off mark over hurdles at Musselburgh in February, and ran to a similar level when sixth of 23 in conditionals handicap at Cheltenham last month. Eased 3 lb since, which does help his cause.

Bruslini was fairly useful as novice, successful over 2m at Haydock. Left Philip Hobbs and off 19 months prior to rallying close fourth of 10 at Ffos Las (3m) in November. Makes the shortlist on that evidence.

Dais Return was better than ever to nab 27f handicap at Stratford in May. Below form both starts after and had a breathing operation since. Cheekpieces back on.

Sam Lord is more reliable over fences than hurdles, making all at Sedgefield, then second in Ayr Grade 2 in the spring. Well held in void race back hurdling in October, and similar story at Aintree since.

The Shy Man was heavily backed and duly delivered the goods in handicap at Wetherby (25f) in November. Travelled as if still in form since, but patchy profile is a reminder that he's not one to trust.

Dune Shine made winning start in handicaps at Fontwell (2¼m) in January and held form all starts since. However, there are stronger stayers in this line up, so opposed for that reason.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Garton King
2. Aachen
3. Bruslini

Timeform Verdict: Garton King won't lack for fitness on his handicap debut despite a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is fancied to remain unbeaten. Aachen and Bruslini are the pair who make most appeal of the others.

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