Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 01 December 2008 / Leave a comment

Timeform rate the runners in an open-looking nursery.

Just seven go to post for this trappy-looking nursery in which four of the field are making their debuts in handicap-company. The ratings are headed by the Gary Moore-trained Dicey Affair.

Colangnik: Plenty of promise in maidens on polytrack, finishing strongly when third here and at Kempton last two starts. Chance she'll be best suited by further and handicapper not let her in too lightly but little doubt she'll be winning sooner rather than later; trainer won this race 12 months ago.

Thin Red Line: Hasn't quite gone on since encouraging sixth to Mustaqer at Newmarket on debut but being dropped in trip since then almost certainly to blame and way he was staying on under hands and heels last time was eye-catching. Back at 1m today and no surprise were he to put in a bold showing for a trainer who does well here with his juveniles.

Voulez Vous: Tried over a variety of trips so far but free-going nature threatening to get the better of her as highlighted once more on nursery bow at Great Leighs last time. Probably needs to come down in the weights before she's making an impact in handicaps anyway and looks vulnerable to some potential improvers here.

Dicey Affair: Little show first two outings but caught the eye in no uncertain terms switched to polytrack at Lingfield last month, keeping on under hands and heels behind a couple of decent prospects. Pedigree gives hope she'll stay this extra furlong and market confidence would be significant on her handicap debut.

Clerk's Choice: Improved showing on nursery debut last time bit of a surprise as he'd looked to be on a stiff mark but arguably unlucky not to get his head in front on that occasion, coming from further back than winner and beaten just a neck. Up just 2 lb for that and with step up in trip likely to suit looks set to run a big race.

Nicky Nutjob: Didn't quite live up to expectations at Peter Chapple-Hyam's and sold after lacklustre effort on polytrack debut at Great Leighs last time; looks on a stiffish mark for his handicap debut and watching brief probably the safest option.

Winterbrook King: Confirmed ability shown in maidens with much improved display on nursery debut last month but long way off reproducing that form when well held in similar contest at Kempton on Sunday and hard to make a case for with that in mind.