Race of the Day / Timeform / 18 November 2011 /

Timeform take a look at a fairly open handicap chase at Ascot on Friday...

Rougham took well to chasing last season, the highlight when winning over course-and-distance in January. Made a solid return earlier this month when third of 9 at Sandown, rallying well after a bad final fence mistake.

Balzaccio is a winning hurdler who has proved just as good over fences, reeling off successive victories at Fontwell and Huntingdon last month. Must defy career-high back handicapping in hat-trick bid.

Piraya's only win in Britain came over 2½m over fences in February 2010. Highly tried last season (including the Grand National), but can go well fresh and represents an in-form stable.

Court in Session is a multiple point winner who won both completed starts over hurdles, including here. Type to do even better chasing, but faced a tall order at Cheltenham on Sunday and now sent handicapping.

Restezen D'Amour is a strong traveller who often flattered to deceive last term, but has really clicked this season, winning both starts. Has another rise in the weights to contend with, but clearly thriving.

Quito du Tresor is a winning hurdler/chaser, latest success achieved in former sphere at Perth in September. Not so well treated over fences and jumping failed the test at Aintree. Cheekpieces now on.

Politeo is fairly useful when on song, successful 2 of first 3 starts over fences in Ireland this year. Not so good since, though, and looks high enough in the weights on first start for Nick Williams.

Gee Dee Nen has proven tough to pass when on his game, as he showed when gaining last win here (21f) in April, but let down by attitude on reappearance and didn't look that keen last time, for all he faced a stiff task.

Mr Crystal was a winner on chase debut (2m) in 2009, and fit from the Flat showed he retains all of his ability over fences when never-nearer fourth of 11 in a handicap at Wetherby last month.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Rougham
2. Court in Session
3. Restezen D'Amour

Timeform View: An open-affair in which last season's C&D scorer Rougham just gets the vote having made a promising return. Court In Session won twice over hurdles last month, including here, and remains of serious interest on his handicap debut having gone off too hard in a Grade 2 contest at Cheltenham on Sunday. The in-form and progressive Restezen d'Armor also commands respect.

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