Race of the Day 
/ Timeform / 04 November 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Doncaster stages the November Handicap on Saturday.
"A typically competitive renewal of this traditional end-of-season feature. Willing Foe catches the eye as a lightly-raced sort who shaped with promise on his belated return, but just as interesting is Pekan Star who's had little racing himself and threatens to be suited by the longer trip..."
Timeform take a look at the November Handicap, the traditional Flat season finale...
Montaff brought losing run to an end over 2m at Ripon in April. Runner-up in Henry II and Northumberland Plate since, but disappointing the last twice and this probably an inadequate test.
Harlestone Times gained a gritty win over 1½m at Goodwood in May, but less impact off higher marks since, fifth in the Mallard at Doncaster last time. Vulnerable at the weights once more.
Kiama Bay is a progressive sort who completed a hat-trick in handicaps over 1½m earlier in the year and has remained in form since, runner-up in listed race at Chester last time. Sure to give it another good go.
The Betchworth Kid is a hold-up sort who captured Nottingham listed race in April. Never dangerous in handicaps the last twice, however, and lot more needed if he's to repeat his second in this race last year.
Willing Foe made marked progress when winning first 3 starts last season at up to 1½m, and promising return when fourth at Newbury recently. Steps back up in trip here, and remains open to improvement.
Burj Nahar created a favourable impression when winning first 2 starts 20 months apart. Gone backwards since, though, failing to beat any home when tried in a tongue tie here last time.
Tepmokea is a free-going sort who made a winning return in 1½m event at York in May. Limited impact off higher mark since (had excuse last time), and handicapper probably still in control despite 2 lb drop.
Classic Vintage boasts some strong handicap form and twice a winner over 1½m this year, including in first-time blinkers at Ffos Las last time. This a much more competitive race, however.
Resurge is a hold-up performer who goes well at Epsom. Below par since latest victory there in a handicap in June, and trip an unknown on only second try beyond 1¼m.
Merchant of Dubai is a C&D winner who made fair start for present yard back in May after 12 months off. Not built on that over various trips since, and hard to recommend even with assessor relenting.
Pekan Star is a lightly-raced sort who created a good impression when successful on handicap bow at York (1¼m) in May. Not built on that yet, but fresher than most (gelded during break) and new trip could suit.
Demolition largely held his form for Richard Fahey and career best on first start back with Noel Wilson last month, landing Nottingham handicap (1¼m). Just as effective at this trip and not out of it.
Ile de Re was useful in France at up to 2m, and lot to like about the manner of his win at Ascot on debut for new yard. Found life tougher since, seventh in listed race back in France last time.
Zuider Zee has been knocking on the door this season, improving bit more when third in Old Borough Cup at Haydock penultimate start. Lesser effort last time but still a likely player back from a short break.
Itlaaq was well suited by the emphasis being on speed when scoring over 2m at York in July. Ran just as well when fourth over 1½m at Newmarket last time, but vulnerable off this mark.
Crackentorp gained second success of the year over 1½m at York (beat Kiama Bay) in August, battling well. Struggled off 5 lb higher mark in Old Borough Cup at Haydock, and this no easier.
Hanoverian Baron thrived for joining present yard, winning 4 times over 1¼m/1½m in less than a year. Shaped well on return back in May but absence since doesn't augur well, and wide draw far from ideal.
Oceanway improved since being upped to 9f/1¼m, winning 3 times since June, most recently at York in October. Lesser effort at Newbury since, and stamina for this trip not assured.
Enroller was a smart performer back in 2009. Missed all next season and not shown a great deal in 2 starts this year, though been given a chance by the handicapper. The more rain the better.
Scrapper Smith has taken on new lease of life since upped to 1¼m, winning twice prior to a good second to European Dream at Ayr last week. Ground remains in his favour but has stamina to prove up further in trip.
Status Symbol has been back on the up of late, winning at Newmarket (1½m) prior to third at Haydock last time. Well drawn for a front runner and likely to give his all once more despite creeping back up weights.
Bramalea won 3 handicaps up to 1½m in 2010 for Brendan Duke, and better than ever when landing a gamble in a similar event at Epsom for current yard in August. Well held in listed race sole outing since.
Samsons Son is better than ever in light campaign, winning 2 of his 3 starts, including heavy-ground handicap over this trip at Goodwood in September. Up to a career-high mark after that.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Pekan Star
2. Willing Foe
3. Zuider Zee
Timeform View: A typically competitive renewal of this traditional end-of-season feature. Willing Foe catches the eye as a lightly-raced sort who shaped with promise on his belated return, but just as interesting is Pekan Star, who's had little racing himself and threatens to be suited by the longer trip. Zuider Zee is another who could well play a leading role.
Timeform Race Cards for the Breeders' Cup are now available! Get the best ratings and analysis for both days by clicking here to download!
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