Race To Watch / Timeform / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

At first glance, this six-runner staying handicap run at Nottingham over the weekend isn't necessarily one which would be expected to prove strong form. A small field and a steady pace which tested speed rather than stamina hardly suggests the form is likely to stand up, but there are reasons for thinking that a few of the field are worth keeping on side, writes Timeform.

Colonel Flay was making his seasonal reappearance here and got up late to win narrowly. He was perhaps the least inconvenienced by the way the race was run, but he won't go up much for this win and held his form well following a winning reappearance last year.

The runner-up Silk Hall was progressive when last seen on the Flat, winning a couple of all-weather handicaps before enjoying a successful time over hurdles this winter. He was just pipped after hitting the front a furlong out and is admirably consistent. He has handled his rise up the handicap well so far and there may still be more to come. Versatile regarding ground, he is one to keep on side if his trainer keeps him going over the summer.

Zuwaar and Four Miracles were not beaten far and were the ones most unsuited by the lack of pace. Zuwaar stays two miles and enjoyed a successful time on the all-weather this winter before continuing his progression back on turf when winning at Haydock. He is still on the up and this hold-up performer can return to winning ways when faced with a truly-run two miles. Four Miracles last won over half a mile further than what she was faced with here, and this trip was always likely to be too sharp for her. She did, however, show a lot more than on her reappearance and is back on the same handicap mark as her latest win. This performance proved her well-being and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise if she was found a winning opportunity in the near future.