Race of the Day / Timeform / 22 February 2012 /

Timeform take a look at some of the old favourites set line up in the three-mile veterans' chase at Doncaster...

Auroras Encore won a listed handicap chase over this trip in May 2010 but well beaten since, including on belated return at Market Rasen last month. Hard to fancy until showing more.

Forzy Origny won at Huntingdon in April 2010 and good second following month before leaving Alan King. Run only twice since and well held both times, so arrives on return from another break with a bit to prove.

Faasel is not straightforward but has plenty of ability and signed off last campaign with 2 runner-up efforts in Kim Muir and bet365 Gold Cup. Took little interest on return but this a drop in class for him.

Mumbles Head mixed it in good company back in 2009/10, but clearly been difficult to train since, shaping as if amiss when pulling up on belated return before unseating rider at eighth in Welsh National.

Nikola won 25f veterans' contest at Aintree in October and creditable fifth at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Underlined his inconsistency next time, but can't rule out if on his game.

Mark The Book missed 2010/11 and left Philip Hobbs but built on promise of return when taking advantage of low mark at Chepstow recently. All 4 career wins have come on heavy going but in better form than most.

Silver Adonis showed useful form when placed in 3 hunter chases in May, but held back by attitude more than once. Pulled up returned to hurdles when last seen in June and hasn't convinced at this trip.

Wogan won twice at Doncaster early in 2010 for Nicky Henderson. However, shaped with no promise when pulled up on both starts for this yard last month (tongue tied latest) and cheekpieces now applied.

Atouchbetweenacara is a fragile sort who made up into a smart chaser during 2008/9 season. Just fairly useful nowadays, creditable fourth at Wincanton 4 days ago. Weak finishing tempers enthusiasm for the win, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Faasel
2. Mark The Book
3. Nikola

Timeform View: Faasel has to put a lacklustre reappearance behind him but he usually keeps better company than this and can put an end to his losing run. Mark The Book would possibly prefer more testing conditions but is still much respected given his current form.

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