Timeform Daily: Friday, Newbury 16:25

Timeform analyse a handicap hurdle at Newbury

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to an intriguing class 2 handicap hurdle at Newbury...

Shotavodka was a useful bumper performer last term and confirmed promise of his hurdling debut with 2 ready victories at Taunton ad Sandown last month at up to 17f. Type to go on improving in handicaps.

Changing The Guard has shown form more in-keeping with his Flat ability in handicap hurdles around 2m this season, winning 3 times in total. Suspicion handicapper has him about right now, however.

Chesil Beach Boy thrived last term, landing hat-trick of Wincanton handicaps before good fifth in Imperial Cup. Shaped well on occasions this season, but well positioned when runner-up in a visor latest.

Kaylif Aramis caught the eye on several occasions prior to getting it right in a competitive 2m handicap at Ffos Las last month. Ready winner at Uttoxeter on Saturday and drop in trip shouldn't be a problem. 

Kellys Brow is already on trainer number 3, but made the perfect start for this yard in a 21f handicap at Ludlow a month ago. 6 lb rise to contend with, but drop in trip a bigger concern.

Whitby Jack landed 2m Kempton handicap in January. Never looked like justifying support at Ascot next time, and again disappointing in the Imperial Cup after good second at Ludlow the time before.

Scorched Son was all the better for recent reappearance when a wide-margin winner in the mud at Ffos Las in December. Never been the easiest to catch right, and though back on track in a visor latest, he's risky.

Ivor's King has been much improved this season, completing hat-trick comfortably at Ascot (2m) in November. Took another step forward when third at Kempton, but lesser effort back there latest needs forgiving.

Iolith was suited by test of speed when landing back-to-back novice hurdles at Kempton and Taunton at the end of 2010. Absent since April the following year, but well treated if top yard has him back.

Smart Catch was a surprise 66/1 winner of a Kempton novice in March 2011. Probably needed the run on handicap bow in November of that year, but well-being a big concern given absence since.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Kaylif Aramis
2. Shotavodka
3. Chesil Beach Boy

Timeform View: Kaylif Aramis isn't short of speed, and is well treated under a penalty after Saturday's ready Uttoxeter win, so he looks the answer back in trip. Shotavodka is going the right way and looks the chief threat, possibly along with Chesil Beach Boy.

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