Race of the Day / Timeform / 25 February 2011 /

Timeform run the rule over this 13-runner handicap hurdle...

Prince du Seuil has been a weak finisher in the past but is at top of his game this term, winning at Folkestone in December and again at Plumpton last week. He has a penalty to contend with in more competitive race now, though.

China Gold is a fairly useful hurdler who showed himself as good as ever on return from a 20-month absence when runner-up to stablemate Wild Desert at Doncaster. The stiffer test here should suit and he is worth considering.

Laborec got back on the scoreboard, justifying strong support in the process, when smoothly beating Abstract Art in a 2½m Leicester seller last month. More will be required back in handicap company and others look stronger.

Alhaque ran easily his best race over hurdles when beating Souter Point in a 2m handicap at Ascot in April. He has largely been disappointing otherwise, however, and this ground is too slow for him.

Red Rouble improved when winning a 21f novice handicap hurdle at Towcester on his reappearance. He has shown fair form over fences since and may have more to offer back over hurdles.

Royale's Charter is a lightly-raced sort who shaped well when second on handicap debut at Wincanton (2m) on his penultimate start. He was not discredited when third over C&D last time and remains with potential to do better.

Giovanna is a thorough stayer who looked to be getting back on track when fourth in a tongue strap at Ascot in November. However, he has bombed in two runs since and is usually worth taking on these days.

Manele Bay is a lightly-raced mare who landed a 2¼m novice hurdle at Fontwell last March. She was back to form when third in a 2½m Leicester handicap earlier this month but has to prove she can string good efforts together.

Aviador was placed all three starts in bumpers and on two of his three starts in novice/maiden hurdles. He was well held on handicap bow last time, despite being strong in the betting, and needs to bounce back.

Dot's Delight landed back-to-back novice wins in 2009/10. She has run creditably on the whole this term (including on the Flat recently), but looks handicapped to the hilt and probably has place prospects at best.

Lemon Silk is a fair handicap hurdler who took advantage of a drop in the weights at Exeter in October. He put in respectable placed efforts the next twice but there were signs of his ungenuine ways returning last time.

Jordan is a bumper winner who took a bit of time to click as a hurdler, but much improved when a wide-margin winner at Folkestone last week. She is sure to go close under a penalty if in the same form.

Festival Dreams got off the mark over fences at the second attempt in a 3m handicap in October. His jumping has let him down since and it is no surprise to see him back over hurdles this time.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Royale's Charter
2. Jordan
3. China Gold

Timeform View: Jordan should make a bold bid under her penalty, but it's unlikely we've seen the best of Royale's Charter yet and he's given the nod. China Gold also makes more appeal than most.

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