Timeform Daily: Betfair Handicap Chase, Sunday April 26, Wetherby, 2.50

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 26 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

Apocalozzo looked a horse to follow in low-grade handicaps when winning at Southwell on Wednesday, and should be up to defying a penalty in a weak contest. Divex and Deuteronomy can chase him home.

Divex is a hold-up performer who put in three creditable efforts in quick succession at Musselburgh in December (winning once). He has conditions to suit, but may find one to good here on return.

Palmers Peak was well held in handicaps since winning a novice around this time last year, and he fared little better on his return at Towcester earlier in the month.

Apocalozzo is a front-runner who returned to form at Southwell on Wednesday to make it three wins out of five over fences. He had a bit in hand that day, so a 7-lb penalty looks unlikely to stop him if this doesn't come too soon.

Pen Gwen is front-runner who has yet to win in Britain and has shown little encouragement all starts for his current stable. The handicapper is relenting, but it should prove best to look elsewhere, with this trip stretching his stamina.

Deuteronomy is a lightly raced eight-year-old who returned in great heart last winter following a seven-month absence. He was better than the result last time in heavy ground, and he is considered, though suspicion that the trip is too sharp.

Linlithgow Lad is a winning pointer but has no worthwhile form under Rules.
Mistral De La Cour is an unreliable chaser who makes mistakes. He has posted some weak finishing efforts of late which are probably attributed to temperament rather than stamina.

Stoneriggs Silver is an ungenuine sort who has shown very little.