TimeformBlog

Aaim To Prosper won the Cesarewitch at the end of last year, and showed he is in good heart after creditable efforts in the Sagaro and Henry II, but his efforts fall short of the best stayers.

Askaur Tau won the Sagaro here first start of the season but disappointed in subsequent run, hard to see him getting involved.

Blue Bajan improved for new trainer when 2nd in the Yorkshire Cup then winning Henry II Stakes next time. He will have to progress again to have a chance.

Duncan has won and placed twice in 3 starts here albeit over shorter. The Yorkshire Cup over 1 3/4 miles at Doncaster last time, but stamina is a worry.

Fame And Glory has won four Group 1s and has been stepped up in trip this season, landing a Listed race at Leopardstown last time over 1 3/4 miles. He is the class act in the race but there are doubts about him staying the trip.

Geordieland has placed 3 times in this but has not been seen since 2009, which has to be a concern, fo all he goes well fresh.

Holberg is still unexposed over 2 miles, but did win the Queen's vase here in 2009. He will stay the distance and last times outing at Sandown would have put him spot on for this.

Kasbah Bliss won Listed race at Saint-Cloud in April, but performed poorly in this last year and is not getting any younger.

Manighar has yet to win in this country but encouraging effort behind Duncan last time, though another who may find 2 1/2 miles stretches his stamina.

Opinion Poll won 3 times for Michael Jarvis last year and well in Dubai for his new stable, but disappointed when fourth at Longchamp last time.

Tastahil won Jockey Club Cup on his final start in 2010 at Newmarket, and showed he was better than ever when runner-up in the Chester Cup. He was well held in this last year, but can't be dismissed lightly.

The Betchworth Kid was fit from hurdling when winner Listed race at Nottingham in April, but his limitations were exposed in the Sagaro last time and is up against it.

Brigantin has developed into a smart stayer winning over 2 miles at Longchamp last time, but most improve again to take this but comes from a trainer who must be respected.

Fictional Account she won 3 of her 5 starts in 2010 including here, but has been behind Fame And Glory both starts this year and it is hard to see her reversing the roles here.

Motrice progressed in 2010 winning a hat-trick of handicaps and placed in pattern company up to 2 1/4m. Each-way claims if she has more to give.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Holberg
2. Fame And Glory
3. Motrice

Timeform's View: Fame And Glory deserves his place at the head of the market, but with doubts over his stamina (unraced over 1 3/4m) it maybe well worth taking him on with Holberg who promises to be suited by the marathon trip. The returning Motrice will not have to improve much to run into a place.

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