My Timeform: Three handicappers to note

Pals Battalion (95)

Runner-up, 6f handicap, Southwell, Thursday 23 October

Four of Pals Battalion's five wins have come on the all-weather and he bounced back to form on his return to the Tapeta at Southwell. Pals Battalion had disappointed on four starts since finishing a good third at Thirsk in July, but he threatened to take advantage of a falling mark at Southwell where he was beaten only half a length in a race that didn't develop in his favour. Pals Battalion was slowly into stride and ended up further back than ideal in a race in which the winner dictated the gallop, but he stayed on strongly, doing well to get as close as he did. He was running off a 1 lb lower mark than the one he defied at Newcastle in March and is one to look out for on the all-weather.

Last Rodeo (h111p)

Ninth, 2½m handicap hurdle, Cheltenham, Friday 24 October

Last Rodeo was progressive in maiden hurdles last season, getting off the mark at the third attempt when last seen at Lingfield in February, and he shaped much better than his finishing position would suggest on his handicap debut at Cheltenham. Last Rodeo effectively lost all chance when he was badly hampered by a faller at the fifth flight, almost coming down and losing significant ground. He was never able to get competitive after that but he made some headway early in the straight and remains capable of better granted a clear shot at things. He's worth another chance to build on the promise he displayed as a novice.

Valvano (107)

Third, 1m handicap, Doncaster, Saturday 25 October

A useful handicap but perhaps not bare form to take at face value, things going more smoothly for the winner than the runner-up, whilst the third, Valvano, would surely have gone very close if kept under wraps for longer. He hasn't won since his debut, but his last two runs have been promising, going like the best horse at the weights on this occasion and hitting an in-running low of 1.12 on Betfair. Valvano may not be the easiest, but he squeezed through a tight gap when making rapid headway from two furlongs out, edging into the lead soon after but carrying his head awkwardly and finding less than looked expected. However, he's well worth persevering with, likely to be ridden more patiently next time, and he's far from exposed at a mile.