Race of the Day / Timeform / 12 February 2012 /

With Exeter off, today's race of the day in Britain comes of the "Jumpers' Bumpers" card at Southwell...

Abergavenny won his first 3 starts in novice hurdles last spring, and excellent 3 lengths third behind Brampour in Greatwood in November. Winner on polytrack in 2010, and every chance if handling fibresand.

Afsoun was third in 2007 Champion Hurdle at his peak. Ended long losing run in 2m Newcastle handicap in December, but well held last time. Untried on AW during Flat career, and opposable now.

Bedouin Bay won novice hurdles at Market Rasen in June and Huntingdon in October. Had Union Island and Bivouac behind when fourth of 11 on Flat here last month, and should confirm form in first-time cheekieces.

Bivouac is a fibresand specialist who won a jumpers bumper last winter, and gained sixth win here in Flat handicap in December. Behind a couple of these on latest outing, but ability to handle surface a plus.

Galley Slave won handicap hurdles at a modest level at Market Rasen in May and June, but has lost his form of late, and makes minimal appeal in a race of this nature.

Halla San is a useful dual-purpose performer at his best, but failed to complete in 3 starts over obstacles last season. Generally below form on Flat last summer, and others make more appeal here.

Priceless Art won 4 of 6 starts in bumpers, including twice over C&D last winter. Has since landed a brace over hurdles, and was again successful over 11f here on Flat in December. Leading claims now.

Record Breaker is a just a fair performer on Flat these days, though won last 2 starts in that sphere for Mark Johnston. Modest form in 2 starts over hurdles for new yard, but may do better now with blinkers refitted.

River Dragon improved on Flat for current yard last year, winning twice, and successful over hurdles at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. Second in a C&D bumper in December 2010, and not without interest now.

Taikoo is a fair sort on the Flat, winning 3 times here at up to 1¾m. Looked amiss on latest start over hurdles at Ffos Las, but will be in his element returned to this surface, and afforded respect.

Union Island is a fairly useful performer at up to 1½m on Flat, and won a 7-runner 2m novice at Plumpton in November. 4½ lengths behind Bedouin Bay when fifth on Flat here last month, but 3 lb better off now.

Winchester Red is winning hurdler/chaser in the past, but completion rate in recent seasons poor, and of no interest in this company.

Arctic Reach has produced just poor form on Flat but has taken very well to hurdling, winning 3 of 4 starts in juvenile events. Beaten in all 6 AW starts, so has a bit to prove with cheekpieces back on.

Chippy was well held both starts on the Flat (including in a seller) and has shown no aptitude for hurdling.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Priceless Art
2. Abergavenny
3. Taikoo

Timeform View: Abergavenny hails from a yard whose runners excel here, so is respected despite his lack of experience, but fibresand specialist Priceless Art, a winner of 2 such races over C&D last season, is preferred. Taikoo is a 3-time Flat winner here, and is another with claims.

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