Timeform reveal the ratings banker, the big improver and a 'Flag' of note at Sandown and Lingfield on Saturday.
The Ratings Banker
Aso - 15:00 Sandown
Constitution Hill is at least 10lb clear of his rivals in the Tolworth Hurdle and is understandably a long odds-on favourite. However, one at a bigger price on the Sandown card who also has strong claims on the figures is ASO in the veterans' handicap chase.
The 12-year-old Aso may not be as good as he once was - he has twice finished placed in the Ryanair Chase - but he showed at Haydock last time that he retains a smart level of ability and is a cut above most horses who contest veterans' chases.
Aso had to settle for second on that first start in a veterans' chase, but it looked like a strong race of its type and there was no shame in him finding only a revitalised Blaklion too good.
Aso is at least 3lb clear at the head of Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings here and this looks like an excellent opportunity for him to register a first success since New Year's Day in 2019.
The Big Improver
Hermes Boy - 15:35 Sandown Park
HERMES BOY was a big eye-catcher on his debut over hurdles at Worcester, where he finished powerfully in second behind subsequent Grade 2 winner I Like To Move It.
Hermes Boy then failed to meet expectations when only runner-up on his next outing at Bangor, despite being sent off as an odds-on favourite, but he got back on the up at Exeter last time, scoring in ready fashion by two and three-quarter lengths.
Hermes Boy had more in hand than that margin would suggest and he looks to have been handed a fair opening handicap mark. He is entitled to still be improving after only three starts - he still has the Timeform 'p' attached to his rating - and he can take another step forward.
The Timeform Flag
Kodi Gold - 13:10 Lingfield (Horse In Focus, Sectional Flag, Top-Rated)
KODI GOLD looked unlucky not to win when a fast-finishing second here on New Year's Eve.
The patiently-ridden Kodi Gold still had a lot to do as they turned into the straight but he rattled home in eye-catching style, clocking a notably fast closing sectional as he got to within half a length of the winner.
That effort earned Kodi Gold the Horse In Focus Flag, identifying him as one worthy of close consideration next time, and he remains on a good mark after edging up only 1 lb in the weights. He can gain compensation for last week's unlucky defeat.
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