Race of the Day / Timeform / 21 March 2012 /

Timeform offer you a runner-by-runner guide to the 14:40 at Haydock this afternoon, a handicap hurdle over two and a half miles...

strong>Stopped Out was twice a winner in this sphere last season, and runner-up on all 4 completed starts over fences this time around (unseated last time). Career-high mark makes things tough back over timber.

Star In Flight is a progressive front-running novice who would have won last 3 starts at Catterick but for unseating on second of those. More on his plate now handicapping but remains open to plenty of improvement.

Timesawastin has his share of quirks (ran out penultimate start), but clearly talented, and ran best race when runner-up to Big Easy in Bangor handicap last time. Still looks fairly treated after 6 lb rise.

Trustan Times created good impression when first/second in above-average novices at Wetherby in 2010/11. Has made mistakes over fences of late, but still running creditably, and may do better back hurdling.

Jetnova won 3 times over hurdles in 2010/11. Didn't take to chasing initially this season, but still well below form when returned to this sphere in late-January.

Radmores Revenge is a mud-lover who has had a good season, winning at Bangor in December and twice second since. Others look better-treated after latest 6 lb rise, though McCoy could make a difference in the saddle.

Shadows Lengthen is a six-time AW Flat winner who was back on up over hurdles when successful at Doncaster in December. That form hasn't proved the strongest, though, and 2½m on soft ground might stretch his stamina.

Sir Tantallus Hawk is a fairly useful handicap hurdler/chaser, and won jumpers' bumper at Southwell last month. Disappointing in this sphere since, however, and overall record this season isn't convincing.

Little Hercules was progressive in 4 starts for Howard Johnson, and improved again when close-second over 2m here on reappearance. Needs to bounce back from a couple of below-par runs, but conditions look ideal.

Jukebox Melody is a free-going sort. Improved when runner-up on first 2 starts for this yard at Market Rasen, and stamina stretched last time. Likely strong pace here will suit, whilst blinkers may also help.

Stars de Granits was a fairly useful juvenile hurdler in 2010. Missed last season and has endured a hard time on return, falling twice (latterly on chasing debut) before well held in similar event to this 12 days ago.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Little Hercules
2. Star in Flight
3. Trustan Times

Timeform Verdict: Star In Flight and Timesawastin have strong form claims, but both are front-runners and there's a concern that they could push each other too hard. A strong gallop will suit a few of the others, including Little Hercules, and it's worth taking a chance on him returning to form under what should be optimum conditions.
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