Timeform Daily: Thursday, Fontwell 16:20

Timeform focus on a staying chase at Fontwell

Timeform concentrate on a competitive staying chase at Fontwell, bringing you a runner-by-runner guide...

Fruity O'rooney is a genuine front runner who is often on the premises in good staying handicaps, running another good race at Ascot on Sunday. Should continue to give a good account off this sort of mark.

As de Fer has been lightly raced and has little form since scoring at Ffos Las (3m) in November 2011, but strong in the market when returning from 13 months off at Chepstow recently. Possibly too soon to write off.

Midnight Sail found only one too good on 6 occasions either side of C&D win 12 months ago and got deserved success at Kempton (2m) in February. Rare poor effort last time but type to bounce back quickly.

Niceonefrankie looked progressive when scoring 4 times at up to 21f over fences in 2012. String of consistent efforts in 2013 and no obvious reason why he wouldn't go well under these conditions.

Amaury de Lusignan has been much improved since switched to fences, completing hat-trick of handicap successes around 2m here in the first half of 2012. Some promise on reappearance in November but not seen since.

Mortimers Cross showed a willing attitude when regaining winning thread in 4m Borders Grand National at Kelso in December. No show twice since, though, and might prove vulnerable once more.

Fine Parchment is a good jumper who's on a handy mark but isn't one to place maximum faith in. Creditable effort at Sandown in February but not in the same form at Fakenham last time.

Requin showed signs that he was getting back on track when fourth at Stratford (21f) in October, but quickly back in the doldrums with poor efforts twice since. Well treated if he ever finds his form again.

Venetian Lad goes well here, winning 4 handicap chases at the track in 2012. Creditable efforts the last twice and conditions to suit but career-best performance to win from out of the handicap.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Fruity O'rooney
2. Niceonefrankie
3. Midnight Sail

Timeform View: Fruity O'Rooney is a tough handicapper and a reproduction of his Ascot second at the weekend would see him go very close in this field. Niceonefrankie and Midnight Sail look best of the rest, although market support for As De Fer shouldn't be taken lightly.

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