Race of the Day / Timeform / 03 March 2011 /

It's three-mile chasers for today's Race of the Day...

Pickamus developed into a useful chaser in 2009/10, winning three of four starts over fences, including here. It's hard to get excited by what he's achieved this season, though, and he has no hiding place off this mark.

Pigeon Island has always been a sketchy jumper, but did manage to win the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival last year. He has to cast aside three uninspiring efforts back there this term and his stamina is far from assured either.

Just Smudge jumped with much more fluency than is usually the case when a convincing scorer over 2½m at Aintree in October. He has been below form since and his sketchy jumping is another negative, but he is a previous C&D winner.

No Panic finished third in last year's Scottish National and returned from a short break to win at Market Rasen and Cartmel in the summer. He has lost his way since, though, and can't be backed with confidence until he gives some signs of a revival.

Oakfield Legend is a front runner who made up into a useful chaser in 2008/9. He failed to complete in two starts last season but has been given a chance by the handicapper ahead of his debut for John Flint. He is tongue tied for the first time here.

Isn't That Lucky shaped more encouragingly on his final two starts last season, including when third in the Topham at Aintree. He is potentially well treated and last month's Wetherby third suggested 3m is within his range.

Max Bygraves won over hurdles in April 2009, and made a successful debut over fences in September of that year. He did nothing wrong when a close fourth here (2½m) in February, but has his stamina to prove at 3m.

The Snail thrived over hurdles/fences last season, winning six times in all up to 3m. Three of those victories were achieved here, but for various reasons the wheels have dropped off this term.

Calusa Caldera jumped with more fluency to land back-to-back wins in novice chases in autumn 2009. He found only one too good at Kempton (2½m) in November after a year off, and the return to this trip no problem.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Isn't That Lucky
2. Calusa Caldera
3. Just Smudge

Timeform View: Isn't That Lucky shaped as if this trip was within his range last time and is narrowly preferred to Calusa Caldera. Previous C&D winner Just Smudge could go well back after a short break, while Oakfield Legend is worth a cautionary market check starting out for John Flint.

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