Timeform Daily: Weatherby's Printing Handicap Hurdle (3), Thursday November 26, Taunton, 15:55

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

"Cantabilly has raced more on the level than over jumps in recent times, but is below his last winning mark and there was plenty to like about his recent course second to Kashima, his stable are in sparkling form."

Resolution isn't one of French Saulaie's strong points, but he does look to have come far enough down the weights to win this. Back-to-form Cantabilly could give him plenty to think about with Aviatore rated the pick of the remainder

Lake Legend won two of his three starts in novice hurdles around this trip last season and shaped as if he needed the run (travelled well for a long way) on his recent return/handicap bow, but still looks a tad harshly treated.

Gaspara is a front runner whose only performance of note last term came when fifth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. She's largely been held in handicaps of late (breathing problem penultimate start), and probably is best left alone.

Stage Aclaim got off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles in a 14-runner novice at Lingfield in March. However, he's been well held all four starts since, and looks to have his back to the wall once again.

French Saulaie is winless since April 2007 and doesn't always battle, but a repeat of his latest eighth in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham would just about be good enough to take the money.

Cantabilly has raced more on the level than over jumps in recent times, but is below his last winning mark and there was plenty to like about his recent course second to Kashima, his stable are in sparkling form.

Aviatore won a maiden and novice hurdle in Ireland and was perked up by his new surroundings when a fair second, albeit no match for winner, over course and distance last time.

Stagehand is a fair hurdler who makes too many mistakes for his own good. Has not been seen since mid-2008 and is entitled to need the outing after such a long absence.

Coup de Tabac has run some sound races in defeat since coming over from France, too consistent for his own good in a sense and though the handicapper has just dropped him 2 lb, even more leniency is required.