Tipping / Timeform / 26 April 2010 /

A host of hardened sprint performers do battle in a competitive handicap at Gosforth Park...

Masta Plasta went winless in 2009, but was almost as good as ever nonetheless, going close off a 1 lb higher mark on his only handicap appearance at Musselburgh in June. He takes little getting ready.

Strike Up The Band is a front runner who was knocking on the door several times in competitive handicaps off this mark in 2009, but he usually needs a run to put him straight.

Quest For Success was progressive in handicaps last season, culminating with a career best over this trip at Doncaster in October. He is sure to be a lot sharper for his recent pipe-opener and is one for the shortlist.

Buachaill Dona is a speedy type who was up and down last year after landing a six furlong minor event at Kempton in April. He made a sound start to the new campaign recently and he is the stable's number one hope if the jockey bookings are any guide.

Captain Dunne is a speedy performer who posted numerous good efforts in handicaps last year prior to landing a minor event at Beverley in September. He has never been at his best first time up, though.

Roker Park proved to be on the up when bagging a couple of good six furlong handicaps last June, including here. He was hit and miss off his revised mark afterwards, but he is capable fresh and his yard are in good order ahead of his return.

Rebel Duke is a strong-travelling front runner who has an excellent record at Southwell. He finished a fair third in a five furlong conditions event back on turf recently, but he needs to scale new heights to win this.

Red Cape thrived in 2009, racking up four wins over six furlongs. He was out of his comfort zone against five furlong specialists here, though, and remains 7 lb higher than for his last victory.

The Nifty Fox reserves his best for Catterick, gaining two of his three successes in 2009 at that track. He usually needs a couple of runs before he is cherry ripe, though, and this is more competitive than he is used to.

Master Rooney's three-year-old season was truncated by a bruised feet, but there was plenty to like about his Pontefract third over this trip in October. His potential still looked intact on his return, but this demands a lot more.

Verdict

Buachaill Dona has plied his trade with credit in competitive sprint handicaps over the years and looks primed to give another decent account after shaping as though as good as ever on his recent return. Quest For Success and Roker Park are others worth considering in an open affair.

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