TimeformBlog

[b]Peachey Moment[/b] was progressive over fences last year, completing a hat-trick at Perth (2½m) in June. Good second on next start and excuses on 2 subsequent outings. Couldn't discount if wound up for return. [b]Carrietau[/b] is a bold-jumping front runner who returned to winning ways at Musselburgh (2m) in November. Creditable placed efforts at up to 2½m on last 3 starts, including over C&D, and can go well once more. [b]Kent Street[/b] showed fair form in novice hurdles last season, including when winning 15-runner novice at Newcastle. Well backed on chasing debut but saddle slipped after bad mistake at the second. Can do better. [b]Alpha One[/b] showed promise on first 2 chase starts at Catterick, and bounced back to form with an improved round of jumping to score there...

[b]The Hollinwell[/b] is a useful staying chaser at best and landed Southwell jumpers' bumper penultimate start. Let down by jumping at Cheltenham latest and has temperament issues, but is on a dangerous mark. [b]Rey Nacarado[/b] has continued his progression over fences this term, runner-up to Giles Cross at Fontwell (3½m) before winning at Newbury (3¼m) in December. Pulled up at Haydock latest, but claims if bouncing back [b]Bellflower Boy[/b] won 4 times in 2010/11 and further improvement with hurdling wins at Warwick in December/January (25f). Not discredited at Cheltenham latest, and potentially well treated returning to fences. [b]Chamirey Dual[/b] chase winner in early-2011, but done little this season aside from a very muddling second in a cross-country event at Cheltenham...

[b]13:00[/b] - Bound For Glory looks the most solid option in the opener and he is some 5 lb clear of his nearest rival based on Timeform ratings. He impressed on his debut last month, sticking to his task well once headed in a similar contest over at Carlisle, and he should be able to build upon that display given that this is just his second run under rules, while he also has the useful Henry Brooke takeing 3 lb off. There is an outside chance that the favourite could underperform over a trip that may prove inadequate in time, so we will also take Ravens Secret . [b]13:30[/b] - Trustan Times is a banker in the Beginners' Chase based on the ability he showed in two starts over hurdles last season. The pick of his form included a useful display when finishing second behind Moonlight ...

Reg Hollinshead's [b]Eastern Magic[/b] can go well at a very big price in what looks a competitive handicap at 15:30. He was the subject of a gamble on his latest start, suggesting there is much belief that he is a touch better than his current handicaps mark gives credit for, but he was hampered at a crucial stage and was unable to give his true running. A more truly-run contest this afternoon could bring about some improvement, and Eastern Magic should be capable of giving the market principals a lot to think about. [b]Bandanaman[/b] can reverse the form with Balamory Dan in the 15:50 at Sedgefield. The step up in trip of two furlongs should bring about sufficient improvement in Bandanaman, for he has recently shaped as if in need of further and lacked the pace to get on terms with...

For the first selection today, we are jumping at Sedgefield where the Alan Swinbank-trained [b]Bandanaman[/b] makes plenty of appeal in the handicap at hurdle at 15:45. Bandanaman has not been seen over hurdles since landing a novice from Rio Gael at the course 12 months ago. However, he is fit from the Flat (at least respectable efforts when in the frame on his last four outings) and with conditions likely to suit Bandanaman should resume his gradual improvement back over hurdles this afternoon. For the next two selections, we head to Yarmouth where the Luca Cumani-trained [b]Mundana[/b] should go close in the seven-furlong handicap at 18:20. Mundana confirmed the promise of her debut when landing a maiden at Salisbury in June. Although she took a little while to pick up when the pace...