Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 31 March 2008 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

All the runners rated by Timeform

An above-average start to the working week over jumps with Wincanton staging a meeting that wouldn't look out of place on a weekend, a couple of interesting novices starting proceedings and a competitive 0-130 handicap hurdle looking the most intriguing race from a betting perspective.

Chiaro heads the weights based mainly on his useful juvenile form in 2005/6, but he hasn't been as good or consistent since returning from an absence and it's hard to know how he'll perform. A repeat of his second to Kicks For Free at Kempton giving him place claims but his run since in the Coral Cup clearly one of his lesser efforts. Unproven at the trip as well, and not exactly bred to stay.

Iroquois Warrior didn't look anything special on his early runs in novice company, but he's taken off on his last two starts, and a 15lb rise for his defeat of the well-handicapped pair Kilbeggan Blade and Very Cool at Taunton last time on his first start beyond two-and-a-quarter miles looks fully justified. There's more to come from him and, whilst the drop in trip is a slight concern, he'll presumably have more use made of him.

Lease Back bounced back to form in a first-time tongue strap when winning at Uttoxeter in May, but ran badly last time and not one to trust.

Harris Bay is very much an all-or-nothing character, his last four runs featuring two wins and two pulled ups, and wasn't on a going day returned to fences last time on the back of his win from a 12lb lower mark in a handicap hurdle here in January. Still well treated on his best chasing form and, fresh after a two-month break and with his yard in better form now, could well be back on song.

In Media Res must have been difficult to train given how lightly raced he's been (formerly with Nicky Henderson) and not been any positives to take from his only two outings since 2005/6.

Nougat de L'Isle took well to fences initially, soon bettering his bumper/hurdling form as he won a handicap at Newbury in December. Things not gone to plan since, however, his jumping letting him down on both outings since, and this has all the hallmarks of a confidence-booster. Not badly treated even on his hurdling efforts if ready to go, however.

Pistol Desbois justified strong support when a much-improved winner of handicap at Chepstow last time and this extra distance unlikely to pose a problem. Up 8lb for that success, but first two were well clear and not had many chances to boot.

Giovanna arrives on the back of a fall, but usually reliable and no surprise were she to bounce back at the first attempt. Most of these are less exposed, however.

Tags: Chiaro, Giovanna, Harris Bay, Iroquois Warrior, Lease Back, Nougat de L'Isle, Pistol Desbois, Timeform, Wincanton Betting