Timeform Daily: The William Hill Gold Cup Chase (Limited Handicap), Exeter, 2.40

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 03 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Twist Magic makes seasonal reappearance at Exeter on Tuesday. What's the Timeform verdict? Read on...

Paul Nicholls fields two, with Twist Magic heading the weights. He won three of his five starts last season, culminating in victory at Punchestown in the KerryGold Champion Chase, beating stable-mate Natal, with whom he reopposes today, by a length-and-three-quarters.

He didn't have to be at his best that day, and perhaps would have won more readily had his rider held onto him for longer, having tired close home. Natal put up a career best effort over fences in second and will find this trip much more to his liking, given that he stays two-and-a-half miles.

Ashley Brook has been well below form in four starts since falling in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2007. If returning to his best he would be hard to beat here, but there have been little signs of revival evident in his most recent outings, where he has shaped as if amiss.

Alan King's Howle Hill is another whose last few outings have been disappointing, and like Ashley Brook, he is probably one to watch for now.

Mahogany Blaze showed himself a tough and genuine performer last season, recording three successes from nine races. His best form is at two miles, but he should prove just as effective over this longer trip and looks like giving yet another creditable performance.

Roman Ark is at his best on soft or heavy going, so the ground may not be to his liking today, however he will need to improve to figure here as will Bishop's Bridge and Mister Quasimodo, while the veteran Pauntley Gofa looks out of his depth.