TimeformBlog

[b]Sydney Paget[/b] had made a promising start to career under Rules, winning Carlisle bumper and Bangor novice hurdle first 2 starts. Best run came in defeat behind progressive sort at Haydock. Leading contender. [b]All The Aces[/b] is a useful Flat performer who built on his promising hurdles debut when scoring at Newbury in December. Fair third last time and should be well suited by this longer trip. [b]Barry The Barber[/b] was well beaten both starts in Irish points and similar story in 3 bumpers, most recenty sporting a visor. Flying way too high on this switch to hurdles. [b]Nagpur[/b] showed a fair level of ability in France and a totally different proposition on second British start when landing Lingfield maiden. Followed up at Fontwell last month and respected in hat-trick...

[b]Benny Be Good[/b] completed hat-trick over fences at Market Rasen in September, and has continued the good work over both fences/hurdles in the top handicaps of late. Should make bold bid to defy top weight. [b]Oscargo[/b] is a lightly-raced hurdler who won 3m handicap at Cheltenham last month. Unseated rider at the sixth when short-priced favourite to follow up there last time and sure to be popular once more. [b]Sir Kezbaah[/b] ended last season in tremendous form, winning back-to-back handicaps at Exeter and Cheltenham. Further improvement not ruled out if fully tuned up for belated return. [b]Lightning Strike[/b] is a useful hurdler/chaser on his day and right back to best when scoring at Hereford (2¾m) earlier this month. Failed to back that up just six days later in Lanzarote...

[b]Tartak[/b] was helped by application of the tongue-tie last season, winning twice at the turn of the year (including this race). Fine fourth in Melling Chase in April but no easy task under his penalty this time. Blinkers on now. [b]The Nightingale[/b] was a useful hurdler and quickly made up into a better chaser. Not sound in King George but made encouraging reappearance last month. Now tongue tied and might want softer ground. [b]Gauvain[/b] is still capable of very smart form on evidence of recent wide-margin Cheltenham win. Hadn't been asked for his effort when falling at Sandown on Saturday. Couldn't discount. [b]Mr Moonshine[/b] was a fairly useful hurdler, but promises to do even better over fences judging by his 2 wins this time round. Bold front runner, but has plenty...