Channon's veteran is on a tempting rating; Horse in focus . . . Malapropism.

Byline: Paul Kealy

IT was only at the start of 2007 that Mick Channon's Malapropism, then a veteran of 94 races, featured in our Hardy Perennials series, but he has certainly been busy in the interim and has now reached the stage where he can be considered dangerously well handicapped again.

The eight-year-old embarks on the 132nd start of his career at Folkestone tonight (7.25) in search of his 14th career win, having scored four times last season.

Yet he is now 8lb lower than for his last win - all bar one of his victories have been over today's trip of 5f - having chalked up a losing streak of 17. However, losing streaks are nothing new to Malapropism and this is the time of year he usually starts to hit form. Eight of his career wins have come from August onwards - admittedly seven of those from September onwards - so punters would do well to keep an eye on him.

And those who believe that at the age of eight he may have lost a bit of the old fire, should think again.

Malapropism runs his race more often than not and his new official handicap mark of 73 (and falling) should soon see him back in the winner's enclosure.

Racing Post Ratings back that up as well, with Malapropism running in excess of a 73 RPR on eight of his 13 starts this season - he ran to 89 on his seasonal debut.

Soft ground does not suit him best - only one of his wins was on such a surface - but Channon's dependable veteran is far from finished yet.