Timeform Notebook: A novice hurdler to take off in handicaps

Regal Encore displayed smart form in bumpers last season, notably finishing runner-up in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, and he has made a positive impression over hurdles this season despite twice tasting defeat at odds on.

Anchored towards the rear in a steadily-run affair on his hurdling debut at Aintree, Regal Encore wasn't able to gather in the more positively-ridden Garde la Victoire but subsequent events have shown that he did well to get as close as he did to that rival. Garde la Victoire has since impressively won at Warwick and only narrowly went down to Ballyalton in a strongly-contested novices' hurdle at Cheltenham last week, making Regal Encore's Aintree performance all the more meritorious.

Regal Encore got off the mark over hurdles at Plumpton last month, landing a novices' hurdle in facile fashion. Although it was by no means a strong contest, Regal Encore impressed with the manner in which he travelled, showing a high cruising speed and looking like a top-class prospect. He couldn't take advantage of what looked like a good opportunity at Hexham last week, beaten at odds of 1/4, though he was set a lot to do by his rider and will surely be seen to better effect in well-run handicaps. 

The Betfair Hurdle - a race won by the JP McManus-owned novice My Tent or Yours last year - looks like an ideal target for Regal Encore, though will need to go up a few pound from a mark of 130 to ensure that he makes the cut for that prestigious race.

Timeform Jumps Notebook:

It was a disappointing week for the Notebook as three horses were defeated. Straidnahanna was strong in the betting but failed to build on his two previous efforts as he finished a well-beaten third at Newcastle. Sue Smith's four-year-old had no chance with the striking winner, Racing Pulse, but it was still a slightly underwhelming performance and hopefully he will be capable of producing better in handicaps. We will give him another chance.

Close House had a stiff task on his chasing debut - running against Oscar Whisky and Wonderful Charm - but at least he displayed some aptitude for the chasing game prior to falling four fences from home and he is certainly worth another chance. It is encouraging that he started off over 21 furlongs - more his sort of trip than three miles - and he is one to note back in lesser company.

Shutthefrontdoor produced a puzzling performance as he trailed home last of four at Cheltenham on Saturday. Shutthefrontdoor travelled powerfully for much of the contest but made slight mistakes at both the fifth and fourth-last fences and the writing was on the wall soon after. Something was clearly amiss with Jonjo O'Neill's novice and he is readily forgiven this below-par effort.

Shutthefrontdoor - Disappointed last time but earlier efforts suggest he can develop into a smart novice.
Straidnahanna - Has twice shaped well in strong novice events.
Merlin's Wish - Unexposed staying handicap chaser who should win again.
Whisper - Will continue to run well over hurdles but has the physique to take well to chasing.
Close House - Once again shaped as if three miles was too far; will be suited by return to shorter.  
Many Clouds - Genuine type that has taken well to chasing, already showing improved form. 
Famousandfearless - Seemingly well regarded and type to improve for switch to handicaps.
Champagne At Tara - Shaped well on hurdling debut under considerate ride. Sure to progress.
Regal Encore - Looks set to enter handicaps on a lenient mark and is sure to progress.