Race of the Day 
/ Timeform / 16 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Can Olofi (grey) win a very competitive handicap?
"Olofi looked unlucky over C&D last time and is preferred given he looks on a feasible mark
Timeform run the rule over an extremely competitive Betfair Handicap Hurdle, a race sure to provide plenty of future winners...
Brampour has been much improved this season, landing valuable handicaps at Ascot and Cheltenham before solid third in International. Below par in Ladbroke last time and needs to bounce back to figure from new mark.
Zarkandar was unbeaten as a juvenile hurdler last season. Triumph Hurdle win working out very well, and clearly feasibly treated from mark of 151. Big player if close to peak fitness on reappearance.
Get Me Out of Here was the winner of this race in 2010. Photo second in last season's County Hurdle, and good effort to chase home Oscar Whisky last time. Not out of this, but tendency to hang under pressure a concern.
Final Approach landed pair of valuable handicaps during 2010/11 and looks as good as ever this season. 11 lb higher than for last run in a handicap, but has a touch of class and enters calculations.
Soldatino completed hat-trick in 2010 Triumph Hurdle, and not discredited in 3 handicaps last season (including 5th in this race). This tough ask on seasonal debut, but could yet be capable of better.
Darlan is unbeaten after winning bumper at Haydock in April and trio of novice hurdles this season. Smart prospect, but harshly handicapped on what he's achieved, and landing this will be big achievement.
Via Galilei has done really well since being switched to handicaps, with solid placed efforts behind Brampour and Ubi Ace to his name this term. Excused latest effort and can hit the frame if back to best.
Sailors Warn was a useful juvenile hurdler last term and got back to winning ways in minor event at Limerick (2¼m) in October. Solid efforts 3 starts since, but may be vulnerable to better handicapped rivals.
Sire de Grugy had a fine first season over hurdles, win in 2m Kempton Grade 2 among 3 victories. Looked to need run at Chepstow on reappearance last month and better effort expected here.
Desert Cry improved when making winning return in Haydock handicap in November and ran creditably last 2 starts. Questionable how much he has in hand off this mark, but should give his running.
Third Intention took well to hurdles last season, and back in top form last time when second to Ranjaan at Taunton. Clear of the rest, this track may suit better, and interesting off same mark.
Empire Levant produced two sound C&D efforts this season, winning easily in November before splitting Rock On Ruby and Raya Star (form franked) 2 days later. Must improve again from 12 lb higher, but could well do so.
Alarazi was last season's Imperial Cup winner, and right back to best when beaten just ½ length by Raya Star in Ladbroke Hurdle. Below par next time though, and needs to bounce back.
Raya Star followed Wetherby win in October with creditable third over C&D (Empire Levant second). Improved to land Ladbroke Hurdle last time, and claims again here with likely stronger pace expected to suit.
Ciceron won a pair of handicaps at Taunton early in 2011, and landed a gamble when winning at Sandown last month. Non-stayer latest (19f), but shaped well and drop in trip will suit.
Olofi is a consistent handicapper over hurdles. Solid second to Brampour in the Greatwood and looked to be going best when falling at second last over C&D latest. More to come and leading contender.
Rigidity was useful on Flat and quickly established same level over hurdles, posting fine effort when second to Raya Star in Ladbroke. Below form over C&D last time and now fitted with first-time tongue tie.
Ericht was a dual bumper winner last season, including here. Ran into some smart opposition when third on first 2 starts over hurdles, but disappointing second (1/5f) last time and bit to prove from this mark.
Abergavenny is a three-time hurdles winner. Good 3 lengths third behind Brampour in Greatwood in November but below that level in Ladbroke Hurdle next time. Won 'jumpers bumper' at Southwell 5 days ago.
Double Ross' easily best effort came when making all to win novice hurdle by 14 lengths at Folkestone. Creditable efforts behind useful sorts last twice but 6 lbs out of handicap here and needs extra.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Olofi
2. Third Intention
3. Final Approach
Timeform View: Zarkandar clearly must be respected, but his fitness is an unknown and he could be worth taking on at the likely prices. Olofi looked unlucky over C&D last time and is preferred given he looks on a feasible mark. Third Intention and Final Approach head the list of many possible alternatives.
....................
Timeform's Horses to Follow Extra Ascot Chase issue is out now and features no less than six big-race previews and an interview with Alan King.
After three placed efforts, Master of Hounds bids to win his first race on Emirati soil in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort at Meydan, run over a mile on turf......
Timeform take a look at the runners for a competitive three-mile handicap chase at Leicester on Thursday afternoon......
Timeform provide a runner-by-runner preview to the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Wednesday......
No comments:
Post a Comment