TimeformBlog

Workforce powered home to win the Derby by seven lengths on just his third start and put a poor run behind him when landing the Arc on his final start in 2010. He has a shorter trip and penalty to contend with on this return, but is up to defying both.

Afsare beat the classy Wigmore Hall over this trip in a minor event at Doncaster and a listed race at Royal Ascot last term. He seemed in need of the run on his reappearance and should still do better, though faces no easy task in this field.

Black Spirit got back on track following a breathing operation when landing a handicap over a mile here last July. He came up short in pattern company later in 2010 but improved when second over C&D on his reappearance. This is tougher still, however.

Cavalryman was a high-class colt in 2009 for Andre Fabre, winning three times before rounding off the year with a third in the Arc/ He was below his best for this yard last season but can't be ruled out back in Group 3 company.

Distant Memories is a smart and consistent gelding who was only finished out of the first three once since his debut. He gained his biggest win in the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor in August and ran well in this grade at Chester on his reappearance.

Elusive Pimpernel impressively won the Craven Stakes in 2010 and ran respectably in the 2000 Guineas next time. He wasn't seen out after that year, but made an encouraging return at Newmarket last time and should be much sharper with that behind him.

Jan Vermeer made rapid strides as a two-year-old, culminating with a Group 1 win in France. He made a smooth return to action in a Group 3 last season before finishing in the frame in the Derby and Irish Derby, and has scope to do better still this term, particularly at this trip.

Poet was back near his best when battling to hold off Class Is Class in a Haydock Group 3 last August. He has mainly held his form since, but is best in the mud and will find this too competitive.

Sri Putra was slightly flattered by his second to Twice Over in the Eclipse last year and hasn't look a Group 1 horse otherwise. He was beaten at odds on in a three-runner minor event on his return and others are more convincing.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1.    Workforce
2.    Elusive Pimpernel
3.    Jan Vermeer

Timeform View: It's hard to imagine a stronger Group 3 event with Derby and Arc hero Workforce the centre of attention. This isn't his big target and he has a penalty to shoulder, but he may have the requisite class to see him home. Elusive Pimpernel remains a very good prospect and, along with Jan Vermeer, could give him most to do.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/