Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 11 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Not an easy race to call as most are having their first run of the season, but there's a chance the break will have done Just Smudge some good and he has to be feared off this mark. Stolen Moments is another who's well treated and worth considering, while That's Rhythm may have more to offer this term.

"Just Smudge went the wrong way after landing back-to-back staying handicaps over fences on joining his yard in January. There is a chance a break may have done him good, though, and he is dangerously handicapped if back to best."

Skippers Brig was a useful novice for Len Lungo in 2008/9, winning three of four starts, though his jumping wasn't always polished, something which may find him out in handicaps. Smart effort required to defy top weight.

That's Rhythm went the right way as novice, winning here, and still going well when falling in the Scottish National on his final start. His fitness has to be taken on trust but he could be type to improve again this season.

Mount Benger improved markedly over hurdles last term and maintained a good run over fences for his new yard in the spring, scoring twice. Run poorly both starts since a break, though, and has a bit to prove now.

Stolen Moments is ungenuine and doesn't always convince with his jumping but is capable of winning off this sort of mark and it would be no surprise to see him go well after break.

Nicto De Beauchene won twice last season but has been hit hard by the handicapper for beating Andrew Nick by twelve lengths at Uttoxeter on his final start and further improvement is required if he's to make a winning return.

Osolomio got off the mark over fences in a novice at Sedgefield in April. It is hard to know if he'll be primed for action on his first outing since, while this trip on soft ground may stretch him in any case.

Just Smudge went the wrong way after landing back-to-back staying handicaps over fences on joining his yard in January. There is a chance a break may have done him good, though, and he is dangerously handicapped if back to best.

Mistress Nell is lightly-raced and made up into a fairly useful chaser last term, winning at Exeter and a good second at Sandown. He can't be ruled out if fit after the break.

Machu Picchu is a winning hurdler/chaser in France who hasn't been seen since scoring over fences there in September 2007. He is almost certainly best passed over unless the market suggests otherwise.

Cannon Fire is a consistent sort who has been placed several times this season (mainly over fences) but he ran poorly over hurdles last time and the handicapper looks in charge for now.

Tags: Bangor, Cannon Fire, Just Smudge, Machu Picchu, Mistress Nell, Mount Benger, Nicto De Beauchene, Osolomio, Skippers Brig, Stolen Moments, That's Rhythm