Our first bet of the day comes in the handicap hurdle over an extended two miles (12:40) in which Forced Family Fun looks unexposed now taking on his elders in handicap company. He was a fairly useful flat performer, winning twice for Michael Bell and he made a winning start over hurdles for new handler John Quinn at Hexham in November. Inexperience cost him slightly when unseating next time out and he wasn't seen to best effect at Ffos Las last time, although the fact he finished a half-length second having pulled so hard early on is testament to his ability. A much better performance is expected today and with his hefty juvenile allowance he has an excellent chance, although recent C&D winner Nesterenko obviously merits respect.
It's bit of a wait for our next selection which comes in a tricky mares' handicap hurdle (15:20), in which narrow preference goes to Queen Spud. She put in a career-best effort when second over C&D last month, and was just denied the win when collared in the closing stages. Competing off the same mark today she is sure to give a good account of herself at the very least, and it would be no surprise to see her go one better. There are dangers in what looks a competitive contest, with Dardanella heading the list and My Legal Lady who wears a visor for the first time.
Our final bet comes in the closing contest on today's card, the staying handicap hurdle (15:50) in which Top Billing should live up to his name. Although still a maiden handler Nicky Richards seems to have found the key to him of late, ensuring a long spell of indifferent form in both codes has been left behind (he's made the frame in three out of his last four starts). It could just be today's step up in trip is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle and it would be a well-deserved victory should he finally get on the scoreboard, although the unexposed Another Dimension will ensure he'll have to earn it.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Doncaster
Back Forced Family Fun @ 5.95/1 in the 12:40
Back Queen Spud @ 3.6553/20 in the 15:20
Back Top Billing @ 5.69/2 in the 15:50
