TimeformBlog

[b]Burton Port[/b] was an excellent second to Diamond Harry in the Hennessy on 2010/11 return, and showed all his ability remained intact when runner-up to Long Run in Denman Chase after an absence in February. [b]Carruthers[/b] had his day in the sun when landing the Hennessy in first-time tongue tie at Newbury in November. Fourth in this race back in 2010, but ran poorly in the Welsh National when last seen. [b]China Rock[/b] is a very smart chaser who was still in touch when losing his action in this contest last year. Pulled too hard when behind Quel Esprit at Leopardstown last time, and stamina for this trip a concern. [b]Diamond Harry[/b] was the impressive winner of 2010 Hennessy, but missed rest of season. Not seen things out on either start this term, and has reportedly...

[b]Albertas Run[/b] is a three-time Festival winner, including last 2 runnings of this contest. Won Grade 2 at Aintree in October on return, but injury has kept him off since. Obvious claims if fully recovered. [b]Captain Chris[/b] was last season's Arkle winner. Finished a creditable third behind Kauto Star and Long Run in the King George, but ran no sort of race in Argento Chase here last time, jumping violently right. [b]Forpadydeplasterer[/b] is without a win since the 2009 Arkle though has finished in the frame in all but one of his 12 starts since, beaten 11 lengths when fourth to Somersby in Grade 1 at Ascot last time. [b]Great Endeavour[/b] landed the Festival Plate in 2010, and impressive winner of Paddy Power in November. Excuses for couple of defeats since, and worth...

[b]Big Zeb[/b] finished out of the first 2 only once since falling in this in 2009, making amends in 2010, and finding only Sizing Europe too good 12 months ago. Hard to see him not being involved. [b]Finian's Rainbow[/b] is a bold-jumping front runner who is 5 from 7 over fences, and travelled best in 17f Grade 1 at Ascot in January until overhauled close home. High cruising speed a big asset here, but can finish weakly. [b]Gauvain[/b] landed a valuable C&D event for second successive season on return, but has failed to complete on 2 of last 4 starts. Headgear back on, but others still readily preferred. [b]I'm So Lucky[/b] won the Celebration Chase at Sandown in 2010, and not discredited on both chase starts this season, 8¾ lengths to Sprinter Sacre at Newbury last time. Will...

[b]Binocular[/b] 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. [b]Brampour[/b] 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. [b]Celestial Halo[/b] 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. [b]Hurricane Fly[/b] was unbeaten in 5 starts (all Grade 1s) last term, including in this contest, and showed himself...

[b]Mon Parrai[/b]n was an impressive winner of 3m Sandown handicap on British debut, and excellent second over National fences following month. Disappointing in PP Gold Cup on return, but capable of much better. [b]Knockara Beau[/b] reverted to hurdles last term, winning at Carlisle and fourth in Pertemps Final. Needed return in Fixed Brush event at Haydock, and now 6 lb lower than when a good fourth in this race last year. [b]Fair Along[/b] has been an excellent servant to connections over the years, and ran well when third in the Hennessy last time, but jumping left much to be desired there, and he comes with risks as a chaser. [b]Shakalakaboomboom[/b] improved for switch to fences last season, winning handicaps at Kempton, Taunton and Punchestown. Best form has come on right-handed...

[b]Asifa[/b] (12:50) didn't have to improve on his third-placed finish at Folkestone to land a Warwick maiden last time, but this afternoon's opening nursery at Lingfield looks a more difficult prospect and, at a relatively short price, he is one to take on. Whilst he did run out a fairly comfortable winner, Asifa had the run of the race when recording that victory against a field predominantly consisting of newcomers and he strikes as one of the lesser lights from his yard. Off a stiff-looking opening handicap mark of 75, and with the likes of recent winner Atlantis Crossing, who was much improved for the fitting of blinkers when winning at Wolverhampton last time, and the unexposed Rocky Reef in the field, Asifa looks a prime lay candidate. [b]Martine's Spirit[/b] (14:00) has failed...

[b]Absolutlyfantastic[/b] confirmed the impression he created when landing a Killarney bumper with a smooth win on hurdling debut at Gowran in September. Good runner-up effort last time, but bare form not at required level. [b]Redera[/b] maintained a steep upward curve over hurdles when landing a 2m Roscommon handicap in June. Not gone on from that win since, however, and even a return to best leaves him vulnerable. [b]Steps to Freedom[/b] marked himself out as a high-class prospect in one of the best bumpers of the season at Aintree, and has done nothing to alter that view both starts over hurdles. Will take all the beating. [b]Flycorn[/b] reached the frame on 5 of his 6 starts in bumpers and off the mark at the second attempt over hurdles at Tipperary last month. This a much ...

[b]Russian War[/b] enjoyed a fine time of it over hurdles last term, winning 6 times, including at this meeting. Not looked a natural over fences of late, but dangerous to dismiss returned to the smaller obstacles. [b]Buena Vista[/b] made all to land Pertemps Final for second successive year in March. Needed run when well held in this contest last year, and similar scenario expected without usual headgear. [b]Qulinton[/b] was much improved to win first 2 starts of season over fences, but lesser efforts in valuable events last twice, and hard to know what to expect on first hurdle run since 2009. Cheekpieces back on now. [b]Alderley Rover[/b] is not short of talent, but has looked one to treat with caution over fences. Back over hurdles after jumping poorly in valuable chase at ...

[b]Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls are the two most successful current trainers at the Festival and, with Betfair offering markets on how many winners they will train at this year's meeting, Timeform's Billy Nash takes a look at their respective chances of success.[/b] Nicky Henderson is the leading current trainer at the Festival having saddled 37 winners since 1985. In fact, he needs just three more winners to join Fulke Walwyn as the most successful trainer in the Festival's history. He took the accolade of leading trainer last year courtesy of wins for Binocular in the Champion Hurdle, Soldatino in the Triumph and Spirit River in the Coral Cup, and all of those are likely to be back this year as part of what promises to be his strongest ever team. Henderson will be hoping to...