Timeform Daily: Thursday, Taunton 15:20

Thursday's Race of The Day comes from Taunton

Some interesting sorts in this handicap chase. Timeform provide their guide to the runners.

Marshal Zhukov was tongue-tied when opening chasing account at Chepstow (19f) in October. Better than bare result when good third at Ascot last month, and drop down to 2m shouldn't inconvenience him.

Ciceron is a useful hurdler who did much better second try over fences when runner-up at Leicester (2m) last month. Open to further improvement now going handicapping in this sphere.

Tatispout got back to form when wide-margin winner of a 4-runner Southwell handicap last month, but has her share of quirks, and passed over following a poor effort at Newbury last time.

Elenika matched French form when scoring for new yard at Huntingdon (2m) in November. Ran respectably in a handicap last time, and contender now tongue-tied, having dropped in the weights.

Wester Ross scored for second time over fences at Leicester (2m) in January. No encouragement either start over hurdles when reappearing in October, though, and others less risky on chasing return.

The Chazer improved when opening chasing account at fourth attempt at Hereford (2m) in May. Below that level both subsequent starts, however, and may need this on return from 6 months off.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Marshal Zhukov
2. Elenika
3. Ciceron

Timeform view: Marshal Zhukov has taken really well to chasing, shaping like the best horse in the race for much of the way when third at Ascot last month, and is well worth a try over this shorter trip. Elenika and Ciceron are also worth considering.

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