Timeform Daily: Saturday, Lingfield 15:00

Race of the Day / Timeform / 04 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Richard Hannon: Trainer of Numeral.

"Numeral has been most progressive switched to polytrack, winning 3 of last 4 starts in 2011..."

Timeform preview a competitive handicap at Lingfield on Saturday, with a number of in-form horses in opposition...

Mr Willis was back to form on last 2 starts in 2011, third to Clockmaker at Wolverhampton (7f) before appearing to excel himself in a minor event over C&D in December. Must prove that run doesn't flatter him.

Lockantanks is thriving at present, and found further improvement when beating Titan Triumph by a length over C&D on penultimate outing. Unsuited by steady pace last time, but shaped as if still in top form.

Prince of Burma has responded well to the fitting of blinkers to land 1m handicaps at Kempton and here last month. Raised 7 lb for latest success, but likely to give another good account in current mood.

Tarooq has developed a good record on polytrack, winning 3 times last year and just as good in defeat last twice, neck second to Mull of Killough over C&D last time. Likely to give another good account.

Amitola got back to her best at the end of 2011, making all to win over 7f here in November. Good second over same C&D next time, and out of depth in Kempton minor event on return. Trying 1m for first time now.

Smokey Oakey is a former Lincoln winner, but only success since 2008 came in an Aintree novice hurdle in June last year. Best efforts have come on soft turf, so makes limited appeal on his return to action.

Shifting Star ended drought with a brace of 6f wins in the autumn for Walter Swinburn. Back to form for new yard of late, winning 7f handicap here last month. Usual blinkers refitted now, and not ruled out.

Numeral has been most progressive switched to polytrack, winning 3 of last 4 starts in 2011 and edged out Amitola over 7f here latest. Ought to stay at least 1m on pedigree, and one to consider on return.

Titan Triumph is a five-time C&D winner who has re-found form on recent starts, and failed by just a short head to beat Forceful Appeal over C&D last time. Hold-up style makes him something of a hostage to fortune.

Levitate got off mark in cheekpieces at Leicester in August. Best effort since when close third over 6f at Kempton last month, and tried tongue tied now, but is a speedy sort who may prove best at shorter.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Numeral
2. Prince of Burma
3. Lockantanks

Timeform Verdict: Plenty of these arrive at the top of their form, and picking between them isn't easy. Numeral was progressing well when last seen and should do better still at 1m, so gets the verdict from Prince of Burma and Lockantanks.