Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 29 November 2008 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Fourteen runners are declared for this nursery with some leading yards represented. The ratings are headed by the Gary Moore-trained Herschel who has often shaped better than the bare results of her runs to date, says Timeform.

Supernoverre: Consistent and got off the mark when winning claimer over mile and a quarter at this track last time, beating Lucky Punt by length. Still looks well treated off mark of 70 back in this sphere and not totally discounted for all plenty of his rivals don't look as exposed.

Celtic Commitment: Fair maiden and runner-up twice, making most when beaten three-quarters of a length by Becausewecan in similar event over a mile at Great Leighs fortnight ago. Up 3 lb for that and good chance he'll be seen to better effect now over further; others make more appeal.

Caster Sugar: From good family and another who looks more of a long-term prospect. Stand-out effort when beaten length by Zaaqya on nursery debut at Pontefract penultimate start and looked ready for step up in trip when badly outpaced in steadily-run race at Windsor last time. Bred to appreciate switch to polytrack and one to consider.

Herschel: Still a maiden but better than bare result on number of occasions, none more so then when fast-finishing fourth to Brooksby in nursery at Kempton last time, hampered at vital stage and not knocked about while staying on strongly all too late. Was well backed on that occasion and similar market move would speak volumes here off same mark; leading claims.

Merton Lad: Has shaped with plenty of ability in maidens while not looking easiest of rides. Step up in trip should suit and confidence behind him in the betting on his handicap debut should be noted.

Candilejas: Progressive form in maidens; unsuited by drop in trip but again not knocked about when behind Island Sunset at Wolverhampton last time. This more within her pedigree and looks on a fair mark for handicap debut with potential for further improvement.

Play To Win: All the better for debut and ran creditably when mid-field in two back-end maidens at Newmarket. Very much the type to go on in handicaps but chance he'll need even further before he's making an impact.

Protiva: Modest but inconsistent maiden who ran well in face of stiffish task when fourth in 7f claimer at Lingfield last time. Yet to make an impact in nurseries however and not hard to pass over here with question marks over trip and visor left off.

Winterbrook King: Confirmed ability shown in maidens with much improved display on nursery debut last time, beaten just a neck by True Britannia over a mile at this track. Bred to appreciate extra furlong and type to improve again; very much one for the shortlist.

Paddythefish: Signs of ability over variety of trips, shaping better than bare result behind Supernoverre and Lucky Punt in claimer here last time. Good chance handicaps will see him in a better light and another well worth a check in the market with visor applied for first time.

Captain Walcot: Best effort yet when beaten around a length into fourth behind Roar of Applause in nursery here last time, application of blinkers sharpening him up and rallying once headed having still been in front a furlong from home. Bred to stay extra furlong and could go well.

Hollow Green: Best efforts have come in soft-ground sellers though nothing wrong with Leicester success, good timefigure and success of runner-up boosting the form. Yet to show she's as effective on polytrack, however, and leap of faith required; visored for first time this afternoon.

Lucky Punt: Fairly speedy pedigree but appreciated step up in trip to run best race yet when second to Supernoverre here last time. Remains on a stiffish looking mark in this sphere as a result, though, and others preferred.

Fongoli: Modest and exposed maiden who makes little appeal in this company.