TimeformBlog

[b]Winstone[/b] didn't need to improve on his runner-up effort on hurdling debut at Musselburgh to get his trainer off the cold list earlier this month (2½m). Opening mark looks pretty stiff. [b]Lawgiver[/b] is inconsistent and hasn't won since April 2010. Added another runner-up effort to his CV in a weakly-contested handicap at Hexham on Sunday and remains one to oppose for the win. [b]Peedeeque[/b] improved when making winning debut for this yard in 19f Doncaster handicap in November. Creditable effort all 3 starts since, and return to 2¾m looks a good move. [b]Scriptwriter[/b] landed a couple of 2½m novice events at Sedgefield in 2011 for Howard Johnson, but regressed since joining this yard, going with little zest in the main. [b]Dawn Ride[/b] took advantage of much-reduced...

[b]13:15[/b] - 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. [b]13:45[/b] - 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 ...

[b]Mission Complete[/b] 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. [b]Andreo Bambaleo[/b] 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. [b]Code Blue[/b] 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. [b]Overyou[/b] improved when winning at Cartmel and Hexham at up to 3m this season. However, below form last 2 starts and has since...

[b]Otage de Brion[/b] notched 2 novice chase victories in 2010 for Charlie Longsdon but in-and-out form for couple of trainers since, well-beaten third in Fakenham hunter when last seen in May. [b]Safari Adventures[/b] is winless since scoring at Aintree in June 2010, but number of creditable placed efforts last season. Excuses for last 2 runs this spring but fitness has to be traken on trust after summer off. [b]Marley Roca[/b] scored twice at Stratford (17.5f) during the spring, including when last seen in May. Effective at this trip but 8 lb rise demands more returning from 5-month break. [b]Knockavilla[/b] has patchy record and doesn't always find as much as expected, but winner of novice chase in April 2010 and creditable third over C&D when last seen in January (left Howard...

[b]Timeform look back over a weekend on which there were plenty of ante-post pointers for the season's top NH races...[/b] Saturday's Charlie Hall Chase at [b]Wetherby[/b] went the way of clear form pick [b]Nacarat[/b], who allayed doubts that he might have needed the race in beating The Tother One by four lengths, with last year's winner Deep Purple a further two and a half lengths back in third. Nacarat's main target for the season is reportedly the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day and his form gives him excellent place claims at least, though he is currently a 13.0 shot for the race, which reflects that he still has plenty to find to get the better of a peak Kauto Star. The other performance of note at Wetherby came from [b]Fair Along[/b], who won his second successive West ...