Timeform reveal their top-rated, highlight the most interesting improver, comment on a flag horse and come up with a verdict for Kempton's Saturday feature.

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The Top-Rated

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Al Dancer (Timeform weight-adjusted rating: 171)

Canelo Brother

Al Dancer only lost his unbeaten record over hurdles as a novice when contesting the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival after completing a four-timer in the Betfair Hurdle. That augured well for his switch to fences last season and he got off to a good start by winning at Cheltenham on his chasing debut, but he just fell short of winning in better company, finishing second behind Put The Kettle On and Mister Fisher in graded events. He was then behind Put The Kettle On again when fifth in the Arkle. Once again, Al Dancer began the latest season on a high, by beating Master Tommytucker in an intermediate chase at Newton Abbot, but after finishing a creditable third when favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup next time, he was most disappointing when tailed off, sent off favourite again, in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup back at Cheltenham. He has looked worth trying at three miles in the past and steps up to that trip for the first time here, so could easily bounce back after a break.

The Improver

Cap du Nord (168)

In a race lacking any notably progressive individuals, Cap du Nord has been better than ever this season despite having quite a few miles on the clock over fences. After a very promising return at Wincanton, he was successful under his now regular partner, Jack Tudor, in a competitive handicap at Newbury in December when readily accounting for Canelo and Mellow Ben. Cap du Nord has run well in defeat in both outings since when equipped with cheekpieces. He improved further when finding only the rapidly-improving Royale Pagaille too good over this course and distance next time, finishing a long way clear of the rest, and then stayed on for third behind Takingrisks and Aye Right from a career-high mark in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster. The reliable Cap du Nord, who holds a Grand National entry, is versatile with regards to ground, and can go well again.

The Timeform Flag

Southfield Stone (Trainer in form)

Southfield Stone will be making his third consecutive appearance on this card, having won the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle in 2019 and finished second in the Pendil Novices’ Chase last season, so we know he acts well round Kempton. He beat the subsequent Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Coole Cody in a novice chase at Cheltenham on his return in October before coming up against impressive winner Protektorat in a similar event there next time. Whilst well held in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham when last seen over fences, it’s encouraging that Southfield Stone, who steps up to three miles for the first time, comes here on the back of a win in a jumpers’ bumper back at Kempton earlier this month. Paul Nicholls has his string in top form and is also represented by top weight Black Corton who was runner-up off a 1 lb higher mark in this race 12 months ago.

The Verdict

Al Dancer failed to fire in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham last time but his third to Coole Cody in the Paddy Power Gold Cup there prior to that is undoubtedly good form and he can bounce back with this first attempt at three miles looking well worth a try. Cap du Nord is a must for the shortlist after three excellent efforts in strong handicaps, including when runner-up to Royale Pagaille over course and distance at Christmas. Double Shuffle, twice runner-up in this contest off higher marks, was third in the same race in December, and his latest course-and-distance win has been boosted since, so he's also shortlisted.

Timeform weight-adjusted ratings:
171 Al Dancer
170 Aso
169 Black Corton
169 Cap du Nord
169 Fingerontheswitch
169 Southfield Stone

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