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There were no shortage of interesting handicappers in this field and it's most likely form to note even if there were clearly differing stages of readiness among them.
Stressfree had won over hurdles in February, so had match fitness on his side and, even though he finished two places worse than in this race 12 months ago, he very much caught the eye.
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He was strong in the betting and was denied a run on more than one occasion, finishing with running left at the line having not enjoyed the rub of the green, and he's definitely a handicapper to keep on the right side.
Stressfree is one to note for a handicap this spring, the upcoming big meetings at Chester and York interesting options considering he's excelled at both tracks in the past.
A Lincoln that didn't prove as competitive as it looked beforehand, several of the fancied runners closer to the pace than ideal in a race run into a headwind, whilst there was plenty of trouble in running, too.
One horse who did shape better than the bare result was the Karl Burke-trained Native Warrior, who was given a contrasting ride to the principals, close up and sent for home around two furlongs out but headed in the final furlong.
He made his effort earlier than ideal in a race where it paid to be ridden more patiently and it is worth remembering he had some strong form last season, notably when finishing first home in his group in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. Native Warrior has the potential to climb higher still this time around, so is very much one to be interested in.
Dabashan offered plenty to work with in finishing third behind a couple of rivals who had the benefit of a previous run, and he is likely to progress.
Dabashan showed his inexperience on debut by breaking slowly and racing in snatches, but he put in some good work in the straight and stayed on promisingly to miss out on second by only a nose, finishing a length and a quarter behind the short-price favourite who had shown ability when third in a Leopardstown maiden last season.
Given his understandable greenness, Dabashan did well to finish as close as he did and, with this experience to call on, is entitled to be sharper next time.
Timeform Eyecatcher: Thursday
INFANTRY OFFICER
Won, 9.5f handicap, Wolverhampton, Thursday 27 March
This was a one-sided handicap but Infantry Officer made another great impression in winning his second handicap in 10 days.
He was well backed to make a winning return after seven months off over a mile and a half at Wolverhampton and had no trouble dropping back down in trip.
Admittedly, he didn't have much to beat, but he breezed through his race like a horse who has even more to offer, drawing clear in the final furlong in style. He's the type who can rack up a sequence and is one to follow even after another rise in the weights.
Timeform Eyecatcher: Wednesday
TIME INTERVAL
Runner-up, 2m handicap hurdle, Hereford, Wednesday 26 March
This was a strongly-run handicap where a pair of lightly-raced hurdlers came to the fore, though Time Interval, who filled the runner-up spot, is probably the horse to take out of the race.
He showed the benefit of a recent run, just a little too free once more allowed his head for the first time in this sphere, going clear after the second flight, but closed down in the latter stages by the favourite who was suited by being held up in a strongly-run race.
Time Interval will be dangerous if getting an easy lead at a sharp track this spring and moving into summer and he's a horse who is capable of winning races from this sort of mark.
Joe Tickle’s Taritino looks ready to come good soon as he’s potentially thrown-in from his current hurdles mark considering his fairly useful Flat form and he shaped well for a long way under the sort of positive ride that gets the best out of him on the level.
Soon leading and taking a strong hold, he was tackled two out before being headed on the flat and lost second in the last hundred yards to finish two and a half lengths third to Mr Zee.
Refitting the hood he wore for his Flat hat-trick in 2024 could be a good move considering his keenness and it’s easy to envisage a similar race in which he takes plenty of catching.
So Sassy was a beaten odds-on favourite on her reappearance and handicap debut but she shaped well in third and is one to keep in mind.
So Sassy was a step slow into stride and raced off the pace, but she kept on well in the straight without ever being able to get into a challenging position.
The way she kept on suggests she'll stay an extra furlong and she remains with some untapped potential after only four starts and just one in handicap company. It's worth noting that her dam, If So, progressed well with age and developed into a useful handicapper as a four-year-old.
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