Timeform Notebook: Open your Notebook for these three handicappers

A number of unexposed, exciting types lined up in the David Johnson Memorial Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday but, for whatever reason, a number of them failed to meet expectations. The form may not be quite as strong as had been anticipated, but, nevertheless, plenty of winners are still sure to emerge from the contest and it is worth keeping an eye on the progress of the Nicky Henderson-trained Whisper. Officially the highest-rated horse in the race, Whisper was attempting to give weight to some promising young horses and ran right up to his best to finish third. Having travelled smoothly in mid-division, Whisper's challenge was hampered by mistakes at the final two flights, and it is worth noting that he wasn't subjected to a hard time in the closing stages once it was apparent the leading duo were out of reach. Whisper is clearly capable of defying a similar mark in a less competitive race but chasing is also an option for the useful-looking gelding and he is one to bear in mind wherever he goes next.

David Pipe enjoyed a remarkable Sunday at Cheltenham, landing a near-6000/1 four-timer, but it was one of his runners on an unsuccessful Saturday that caught our eye for the purposes of this column. Close House could only finish in mid-division in a competitive handicap hurdle, but he shaped extremely well for a long way, simply failing to stay the extended 25-furlong trip as he weakened close home. Significantly, Saturday wasn't the first time that Close House failed to stay - he weakened over three miles on his final start last season - and he looks sure to benefit from a return to shorter. Close House may not be exceptionally well treated at present, but his win at Wincanton, off a BHA mark of 136, suggests that he should certainly remain competitive and shouldn't be underestimated when faced with a test where there is a greater emphasis on speed.  

The Greatwood Hurdle was a slightly unsatisfactory race in the sense that some of the horses held up towards the rear were at a disadvantage, so, as a consequence, it could be worth giving the strong-travelling, perennially-restrained Ifandbutwhynot another chance. Ifandbutwhynot may have only finished in mid-division, but he shaped better than the bare result having not only been hampered by his position towards the rear but also by a melee at the fourth. He made some headway turning for home, without ever looking like making an impact, but was by no means knocked about and looks sure to go well again from what is a fair mark.

Timeform Notebook:

Shutthefrontdoor was impressive on his first start over fences at Aintree, showing a good technique and winning with a bit in hand, and he built on that performance when finishing second to Le Bec in a strong event at Cheltenham. Always jumping and travelling well, Shutthefrontdoor made headway approaching three furlongs out and held every chance at the final fence, unable to quite reel in the eventual winner despite staying on well. The return to three miles at Cheltenham seemed to suit well and he should continue to take high rank among the novices this season.

Shutthefrontdoor - Built on debut promise and enhanced reputation despite losing at Cheltenham.
Straidnahanna - Paid the price for trying to live with top novice prospect but showed plenty of ability on debut.
Merlin's Wish - Unexposed staying handicap chaser who will win races as his jumping improves and stamina is drawn out.
Whisper - Remains well treated 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.  
Ifandbutwhynot - Things didn't pan out at Cheltenham but sure to remain of interest when emphasis is on speed.

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