Timeform Daily: Scottish County Hurdle, Saturday, Musselburgh 15:45

Race of the Day / Timeform / 11 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Quality runs right through the Musselburgh card on Saturday

"Koup de Kanon certainly went like one still ahead of his mark at Cheltenham recently and the sharper test here could be right up his street."

Timeform assess the field for the Scottish County Hurdle at Musselburgh....

Ubi Ace is a progressive hurdler, and racked up a hat-trick of wins at Sandown in December. Another good effort when third to Celestial Halo at Newbury last time and no reason he won't go well again.

Palawi took well to hurdling last term and back on the up when landing a similar event over C&D on New Year's Day. Was allowed to dictate on that occasion, though, and may find it harder to dominate here.

Rumble of Thunder progressed well in 2011, winning 4 times, including competitive Aintree handicap in October. Not discredited when sixth behind Palawi here last time (would have been closer but for mistake last).

Divers made up into a smart chaser, winning valuable novice handicap at last year's Festival and another fine effort when third in the Paddy Power. Interesting off slightly lower hurdles mark.

Ingleby Spirit was a three-time winner up to 1¼m on Flat and taken well to hurdles, winning C&D maiden/novice on last 2 starts. Improvement needed to overcome opening handicap mark but that's a distinct possibility.

Nine Stories was a hurdle/chase winner for Howard Johnson who was back to best for new yard when second to Palawi here on New Year's Day. Enjoys a 3 lb pull with that rival now so chance he can turn the tables.

Alsahil is a Flat winner who got off mark over hurdles at third time of asking over C&D in December and bettered even that form when third to Palawi in handicap back here since. Could still have more to offer.

Shadows Lengthen is a six-time AW Flat winner who was back on up over hurdles when edging out A Bridge Too Far at Doncaster in December. Better than result when third at Catterick since and still looks on fair mark.

Dontpaytheferryman wasn't at best in autumn but right back on track with a visor fitted over C&D last 2 starts, adding to selling win with all-the-way success in handicap recently. Up 8 lb but clearly in top form.

Koup de Kanon improved to win twice for new yard this term and showed he's still on up when fifth in competitive 17f Cheltenham handicap last month, travelling strongly long way. Sharp test here looks ideal.

Cry of Freedom was useful on the Flat and made winning hurdling debut at Huntingdon in November. Just as good when second back there last time, but did make mistakes and will need to keep those down in this company.

Zafrangar is a free-goer who returned to winning ways in 2m Wetherby handicap on Boxing Day. Even better form when runner-up twice since but crept up a bit more in weights and this more competitive if anything.

Stormy Weather was fifth in Fred Winter at Festival during juvenile campaign and gradually worked way back to form for new yard, winning at Newcastle last month. This a stronger race but still makes plenty of appeal.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Koup de Kanon
2. Stormy Weather
3. Ingleby Spirit

Timeform Verdict: This is competitive but Koup de Kanon certainly went like one still ahead of his mark at Cheltenham recently and the sharper test here could be right up his street. Stormy Weather looks a threat at the bottom of the weights, while Ingleby Spirit comes here on the back of 2 C&D wins and could easily have more to give over hurdles.
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There were more profits for Timeform's TV Focus tipping service last week when six all-weather bets contained winners Emma's Gift (8/1) and Piscean (11/2).