TimeformBlog

First up today is the Jeremy Scott-trained [b]Pyleigh Lass[/b] (14.35), who makes her handicap debut off a fair-looking mark at Wincanton this afternoon. Pyleigh Lass showed promise in a pair of bumpers last season and put in a much better effort over hurdles when second to Holywell in a maiden at Chepstow last month. The step up in trip should suit and she is still unexposed. Next up is [b]Tarquinius[/b] (15:10), who resumed winning ways when easily landing a similar event at Lingfield in February by 13 lengths from Guydus. The handicapper has subsequently put him up 13 lb for that success, which of course makes life tougher, but he should be suited by longer trip at Wincanton today and remains well treated on some of his past form. Last but by no means least we come to [b]Douze ...

[b]Clash Duff[/b] won the last of his 5 starts in points in Ireland before being bought to join current yard for £7,500 at Cheltenham in May 2010. Makes belated Rules bow in a hot race, and easy enough to overlook. [b]Duke of Lucca[/b] was a useful hurdler who was a promising runner-up to Ace High at Chepstow (3m) on his chase debut in October. Not so fluent when below that form at Ascot last time, but every chance if jumping holds up. [b]Habbie Simpson[/b] was not discredited against top novices over hurdles last season, and would have matched pick of form in that sphere but for unseating 3 out at Ffos Las on chase debut. Clearly good enough to win. [b]Joker Choker[/b] improved over hurdles in the spring, and stepped forward again when fourth of 18 behind Rangitoto at Cheltenham...

[b]Gregg Taylor evaluates the performance of Timeform's top-rated chaser, along with the other big races from the weekend.[/b] [b]Kauto Star[/b] (c191) made a pleasing return to action when taking the JNwine.com Champion Chase by four lengths from [b]Sizing Europe[/b] (c162). The outstanding chaser of his generation needed only to run to a bare figure of 166 to notch a fourteenth success at Grade 1 level, showing no ill effects from his fall in the Cheltenham Gold Cup as he jumped impeccably close to the steady pace. The performance should set up him nicely to run closer to his best in his next objective, whether that be running off a mark of 190 in the [b]Hennessy[/b] later in the month or attempting to record an unprecedented fifth victory in the [b]King George[/b]. Both his nearest...