Timeform Daily: Thursday, Taunton 18:50

Ted Spread can provide Paul Nicholls with a win

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to a competitive handicap hurdle at Taunton on Thursday...

Ted Spread was smart on the Flat up to 1m for Mark Tompkins. No impact in competitive handicaps since bolting up over C&D early in 2012 but this easier and worth one more chance. Cheekpieces added to tongue tie.

Rajnagan is seful hurdler and showed similar level of ability over fences in first half of last season. Will need a career best to take this back over hurdles on return from 6 months off, though.

Cry Of Freedom returned from 10 months off with 2 good efforts in handicaps. Bit disappointing at Aintree last time and now has a visor fitted in bid to get him back on track.

Laudatory is ideally suited by test of speed around 2m and impressive when winning twice at Stratford last year. Conditions to suit on first start since October and capable of going close off this mark

Ulys du Charmil has been largely progressive since joining this yard from France, winning comfortably on return from short break at Wetherby last month. Up 9 lb but still unexposed granted test of speed over hurdles.

Knight In Purple scored at Wetherby (2m) prior to very solid third at Stratford last summer. Not at best in couple of comeback outings this spring, but has ground to suit now and yard going well. Not discounted.

Ugo won over hurdles at Plumpton in September. Possibly found testing conditions against him when well below that level over fences last twice and may fare better back hurdling on quicker surface.

Pearls Legend won a Worcester maiden in July and Ludlow handicap in February. Even better form when second to Benefit Cut in 2m Kempton novice last month and another who can't be ruled out here.

Urcalin was a dual bumper winner at up to 1m in France and has shown progressive form over hurdles for new yard, winning 2m Stratford novice last month. Likely more to come now handicapping.

Nampour was runner-up in Imperial Cup last spring. Also shaped well when fourth at Aintree in October but has failed to build on that since, running no sort of race back from a break last month.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Ted Spread
2. Ulys du Charmil
3. Urcalin

Timeform View: A pretty useful contest. Ted Spread returns to the scene of his sole hurdles success and is worth giving one more chance to back from a break with cheekpieces also added. Ulys du Charmil is going the right way and also makes the shortlist along with Stratford novice winner Urcalin.

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