Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 05 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Gidam Gidam progressed well last season and if back in top form could gain an eighth career success here. Quws Law's stable are in good form and if on a going day he could run a big race while Coe has good course form and can also make the placings.

"According To John acquitted himself with credit against the top staying novices in 2007. He has been lightly raced since, unseating early when last seen in May, and has a bit to prove now."

Coe improved over fences when upped in trip and switched to handicaps in 2008/9. He produced his best effort when second in the Blue Square Gold Cup at this course and should get his ideal conditions here, though he has fitness to prove.

According To John acquitted himself with credit against the top staying novices in 2007. He has been lightly raced since, unseating early when last seen in May, and has a bit to prove now.

Appleaday has gradually warmed to fences and finished runner-up twice before winning at Sandown in February. However, he has been below form on his last two starts, having a hard race in Midlands National, and now has a six-month absence to overcome.

Gidam Gidam is a thorough stayer who appreciates cut in the ground. He was better than ever last season, winning at Catterick and being placed twice at Doncaster. He is an interesting contender if in top form for this reappearance.

Daldini is a versatile performer who was twice successful in this sphere in 2008/9. He showed little on his reappearance over hurdles and has previously failed for stamina at this trip, making him hard to fancy.

Quws Law is a front runner with four victories at Ayr and a history of breathing problems. His yard is in good form and the trip and ground will not be a problem, but he has shaped as if amiss before and isn't one for maximum faith.

Fresh Air And Fun progressed well in 2008/9, making all in handicap chases at Ludlow and Sandown. He was pulled up on his only try on heavy ground, though, and it is possible this may turn into too much of a test for him at this trip.

Never So Blue is a multiple winning jumper at range of trips, his latest over fences at Bangor in February. He is often let down by jumping problems, however, and his yard has yet to really get going this season.

The Shy Man was progressive over hurdles in 2007 but has failed to match that form over fences, including when a fortunate winner of a novices' chase in May. The balance of his form suggests he has plenty to find with the market leaders.

Cardinal Spirit was a winner of a maiden hurdle at Doncaster in 2007/8. However, he has not been seen for 539 days and his best form has come on a much sounder surface than he will get here.

Tags: According To John, Appleaday, Cardinal Spirit, Coe, Daldini, Fresh Air And Fun, Gidam Gidam, Haydock, Never So Blue, Quws Law, The Shy Man