Timeform Daily: Thursday 24 September, Pontefract, 4:00

Race of the Day Preview / Editor / 23 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run the rule over the field for the Dalby Screw-Driver Handicap...

Laaheb, Larkham and Do The Strand are all progressive types and the former gets a narrow vote to regain the winning thread.

Laaheb has shown progressive form, winning two of his last three starts. He produced a good effort in defeat when going down narrowly at Newmarket last time (third has won since) and there is a fair chance he is capable of better still.

William Blake has been knocking on the door on several occasions in handicaps this term, but is up 3 lb for a recent third at Kempton and his tendency to find little when it matters remains a concern.

Shavansky notched up back-to-back victories over this trip on a firm surface in June. Soft ground was probably responsible for his latest flop and it would be no surprise if he performed better back on a sound surface.

Motafarred was back to his very best when runner-up over a mile here in August. This longer trip is no problem, but he is not the most consistent and laboured efforts the last twice make it easy to have doubts now.

Larkham hasn't looked back since a gelding operation last autumn, winning three times this term. He battled well for his latest victory at Newbury and the third has won since.

Do The Strand continually found more under strong pressure after leading three furlongs out when breaking his duck in a mile-and-a-quarter maiden at Doncaster last month. He is the type to continue improving and is likely to make his presence felt on his handicap bow.