Race of the Day 
/ Timeform / 31 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Taunton is the venue for Tuesday's Race of the Day.
"A mark of 120 could easily underestimate smart Flat performer Ted Spread, and he can go in at the second time of asking for Paul Nicholls..."
Timeform preview an excellent handicap hurdle at Taunton on Tuesday...
Grey Gold was a Hereford novice hurdle winner last season who took form to new level when making winning reappearance in 17f Bangor handicap in November. This tougher off 9 lb higher but could have more to give.
Monetary Fund is a fairly useful hurdler who largely performed with credit in some competitive handicaps for Nicky Henderson last term. Returns to track with his new yard in form and no shock if he goes close.
Pantxoa has still not got many miles on the clock and returned with a pair of good placed efforts in competitive 2m handicap hurdles. Excuses can be made for latest run and no surprise if he bounces back.
Pascha Bere is a useful hurdler who made a pleasing return to action when fourth to Featherbed Lane at Ascot. Excuses for both runs since (given plenty to do last time) and chances are he remains in form.
Ted Spread was smart on the Flat up to 1¾m for Mark Tompkins. Promise both starts over hurdles, joining Paul Nicholls before second to Grumeti over C&D last month. Tongue tied now and almost certainly more to come.
Ifyouletmefinish is a bumper winner who has shaped with promise when placed in pair of novice hurdles over C&D in recent weeks, chasing home smart Pearl Swan last time. Another who could easily have more to give.
Aather is a pretty useful hurdler on his day. Edged down weights after a winless 2010/11 campaign for Alan Fleming and should be sharper for last month's return. Yard off cold list at Wincanton recently.
Wings of Smoke progressed well over hurdles last summer, winning novice at Aintree and fourth in Hexham handicap. Travelled well long way under testing conditions on recent return and this test more suitable.
Double Handful was fair on the Flat and switch to Lawney Hill has seen him translate that to hurdles, bolting up twice this month (C&D first occasion). Higher mark in stronger race demands more but could be up to it.
Sacrilege is an ungenuine hurdler who ran respectably when third in 2m Newbury handicap last March. No impact on recent return from break at Sandown, though, and likely to find this too competitive.
Bathwick Brave finished placed in both outings in bumpers and on 3 of 4 starts in novice hurdles. Didn't seem to face a visor when well beaten on recent handicap bow and no surprise to see headgear off now. Still early days.
Cantabilly has found winning difficult in recent times and fact he was only third in a claimer over C&D last time suggests he's likely to find it tough going back in a competitive handicap.
Leopard Hills' 4 wins over hurdles have come in selling company. Well held in handicap over C&D a month ago and same fate awaits here in all probability.
Piroulet is an ex-French gelding who held every chance when jockey caught unawares on run-in at Exeter a year ago. Not progressed since, including in blinkers on recent handicap bow. Tongue tie also added now.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Ted Spread
2. Double Handful
3. Monetary Fund
Timeform Verdict: A rise in the weights shouldn't prevent Double Handful from going close in his hat-trick bid but a mark of 120 could easily underestimate smart Flat performer Ted Spread, and he can go in at the second time of asking for Paul Nicholls. Monetary Fund and Pantxoa also make the shortlist.
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