Timeform Daily: Friday, Doncaster 15:15

Friday's Timeform Daily comes from Doncaster

Timeform offer a runner-by-runner guide to a competitive sprint handicap at Doncaster...

Secret Witness is a smart sprinter who won handicap at York in May. Good third in the Portland here last month but had limitations exposed in Group 3 company since. Tough task off top weight.

Colonel Mak produced a good effort when taking 22-runner C&D handicap in April, and several good efforts in big-field handicaps since, most recently in Ayr Gold Cup. Not at best last time but on fair mark

Shropshire is much improved this year having been gelded, winning 6f handicaps at Kempton and Ascot. Fair effort behind Hawkeyethenoo in Stewards' Cup, but not at best in 2 subsequent runs.

West Leake Diman won first 2 races last year, and good fourth in listed event at Kempton (6f) in May. Poor efforts since though and this a very warm race to try and bounce back in.

Jonny Mudball has been lightly raced in recent years, winning 5f Nottingham minor event in April. Has conditions in his favour and drop back in trip a plus, but might find a few of these better treated at present.

Prodigality is an improving sprinter who added to his tally with cosy success at Goodwood last time. Penalty makes life tougher but conditions should suit and clearly still going the right way. One to note.

Singeur got back to form when bagging a 5f Ripon handicap in August and fair efforts in hot handicaps next 2 starts. On last winning mark but recent efforts suggest he has just gone off the boil.

Head of Steam won 3 times over sprint trips in France, and stepped up on comeback run for new yard when fourth in 7f Newbury handicap in August. 2 runs since suggest first-time blinkers need to revive.

Gatepost regressed after winning first 2 starts as a juvenile for Mick Channon, and ultimately a shade disappointing for this yard. Not disgraced last time but this demands more.

Ancient Cross was a dual winner in 2011. Ran best race of the season when second to a well-treated rival at Catterick last time and shouldn't be far away if in the same form here.

Khubala is an AW maiden winner who continued the good work switched to turf, recording victories at Leicester, here and Ffos Las. Unlucky second latest and interesting on first run for new yard.

Grissom was better than ever when winning at Hamilton (6f) in July, and claims if he could refind that form, but largely well beaten since, and not easy to bounce back in race of this nature.

Mehdi won a valuable 6f sales race at Newmarket in 2011. Not at top of his game at present and may need even more help from the handicapper before he becomes of interest.

Farlow has reportedly not been easiest to train, but made up for lost time in 2011, winning 3 times. Added to that success over C&D in May but down the field on last 2 starts

Fitz Flyer hasn't got his head in front so far this season, but hasn't done a great deal wrong. Had too much use made of him last time but others do come here with more pressing claims.

Cheveton goes well in mud and often comes good at this time of year, proving the point with ready win at Pontefract on Monday. Should give another good account despite his penalty.

Trade Secret is a come-from-behind handicapper who registered third victory of the season when scoring at Haydock (6f) last month. Failed to fire the last twice, though, and handicapper may just have caught up

Nasri won twice for David Nicholls last term, and best effort for current yard when runner-up at Newbury in August, headed close home. Not so good in 3 runs since.

Arctic Feeling All 4 wins have come at 5f, latest at Wolverhampton in April. Right back to best when touched off in the mud at Ayr this month but not so good last time and opposable at the trip. NON RUNNER

Advanced won the Ayr Gold Cup in 2007 and finished eighth in Silver Cup there last month. Conditions fine and on a good mark but isn't getting any younger.

Vito Volterra is a front runner who was back on scoreboard at Pontefract (1m) in July. Did too much too soon at York last time and remains in form but opposable in this grade over 6f.

Thunderball was better than ever when registering second win of the year at Ascot in May, but not at very best since. Cheekpieces back on here though and strong-travelling sort could make an impact.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Prodigality
2. Cheveton
3. Colonel Mak

Timeform View: Colonel Mak, a C&D winner on a good mark, will appreciate conditions and he can go well at a price but Prodigality and Cheveton are thriving sprinters who come here on the back of a recent win. Marginal preference is for the former whose best days may still be ahead of him.

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!