Race of the Day / Timeform / 06 April 2011 /

There are some smart sorts on show in this mile-and-three-quarter listed event...

Akmal was highly progressive in 2009 and was better than ever when winning a Group 2 at Sandown last May. He has failed to convince with his attitude since but this is much easier than the company he was keeping late in 2010 and he has gone well fresh before.

Apprimus won four races in Italy in 2009. He seemed to run close to form on his British debut here in November but needs to improve a good deal now trying a longer trip if he's to go close here.

Askar Tau was one of the leading stayers around in 2009, completing the Lonsdale/Doncaster Cup double, but wasn't at his best in 2010, often displaying his share of quirks. He hasn't got a good record first time out and it's not too hard to look elsewhere.

Free Agent was better than ever in 2010, winning twice and ending the season with an excellent second in a listed race at Ascot over 2m. He is the clear pick of these at the weights on that form and the yard is already in top form.

Halla San showed he'd lost none of his enthusiasm when third in the Chester Cup last year but was not seen on the Flat after June. He has failed to complete in three runs over jumps since and has something to find on these terms anyway.

Peppertree Lane was a smart stayer for Mark Johnston earlier in his career, successful in a Group 3 and twice in listed races. He has looked temperamental over hurdles since and it's hard to know what to expect on his first run since late 2009.

The Betchworth Kid is a hold-up stayer who isn't an easy ride but ended 2010 with afine second in the November Handicap. He is fit from hurdling but ideally needs softer ground than he's likely to get here.

La Vecchia Scuola won over 1½m at Pontefract in August and ran the race of her life when just failing in the Cesarewitch after. She should be spot on after a recent comeback at Cheltenham and has good claims at these weights.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Free Agent
2. Akmal
3. La Vecchia Scuola

Timeform View: Free Agent has his ideal underfoot conditions and can make a winning reappearance with Akmal and La Vecchia Scuola taken to chase him home.

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