My Timeform: Top Ville Ben can bounce back from agonising defeat

Walt (Timeform rating c137) – Newbury, Saturday 30 November

Walt had plenty on his plate in the Ladbrokes Trophy on Saturday under a penalty for his win at Taunton last month but he shaped better than the bare result when finishing ninth at Newbury. The eight-year-old took a keen hold and went prominent early on the final circuit, but shaped like a non-stayer as he weakened before the second-last. He found that test too much but he is clearly in good heart and should fare much better if dropped in trip. He is one to keep an eye on. Neil Mulholland

2⃣ trips to @TauntonRacing = 2⃣ victories for WALT! 🏇

A Grade 3 winner back in February - @Neil_Mulholland's 8-y-o springs a surprise at 16/1 to take the (15:40) Memorial Handicap Chase, with @tommyscu on board!

(@RacingTV)pic.twitter.com/MBiqEqOwyH

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) November 14, 2019

Top Ville Ben (Timeform rating c154) – Newcastle, Saturday 30 November

With a comeback run at Wetherby under his belt, Top Ville Ben went like the best horse at the weights in the Betfair Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on Saturday (trading as low as 1.04 in-running). He made the running and looked in control two out but lost momentum when steading into the last, and was overhauled close home by Takingrisks and Captain Chaos. He should remain competitive in similar company, however, with the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day appealing as an ideal target from him given his good record at the track. Phillip Kirby

Winner of the Scottish National back in April, TAKINGRISKS rallies brilliantly to reel in Top Ville Ben in the @BetfairRacing Rehearsal Handicap Chase at @NewcastleRaces!

(🎥@itvracing)pic.twitter.com/ETup7f30AT

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) November 30, 2019

Brace Yourself (Timeform rating c112p) – Fairyhouse, Saturday 30 November

Brace Yourself ran as if short of peak fitness when seventh at Fairyhouse on his reappearance/chase debut on Saturday, which is understandable considering he had been off the track for almost 13 months after making an impressive hurdling debut at Down Royal (form has worked out well). However, he shaped better than the bare result indicates at Fairyhouse and the lightly-raced six-year-old looks very much the sort to take to fences. He is clearly held in high regard (holds Grade 1 entries), so could prove to be a different proposition next time. Noel Meade