TimeformBlog

Blue Bajan has got right back to his best for David O'Meara this year, winning the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May. He was a close third to Opinion Poll in the Goodwood Cup but was well held behind that rival at York last time and looks opposable now.

Opinion Poll is a likeable stayer who rarely runs a bad race and has been better than ever when winning the Goodwood Cup and the Lonsdale Cup on his last two starts. The longer trip will be fine for him and he's likely to prove a tough nut to crack again.

Bergo looked all stamina when winning the 2010 Queen Alexandra Stakes and has run with credit behind Opinion Poll at Goodwood and York. He's unlikely to gain his revenge here, but has place claims with the longer trip sure to suit.

Tactician is a lightly-raced gelding who is still progressing on recent evidence, his front-running second to Moyenne Corniche in the Ebor last month a career-best effort. He needs to pull out more at this level, but can't be dismissed.

Tastahil is a smart performer who won the Jockey Club Cup and Newmarket on his final start in 2010 and was as good as ever when second in the Chester Cup on his reappearance. He has shaped as if amiss on both his starts since, however.

Dayia is a capable stayer who was a solid fourth in the Queen Alexandra on her reappearance but failed to beat a rival on her latest outing and has plenty on her plate even if returning to her best.

Motrice progressed well in 2010, winning three handicaps in a row before finishing third in this race. She was right back to her best when a clear-cut winner of a listed race at Goodwood last time and is one to consider again.

Saddler's Rock has gone from strength to strength in his short career to date and was an excellent third in a mile-and-a-quarter listed race at the Curragh last time. He needs to progress again at this level, but should have more to offer.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Opinion Poll
2. Motrice
3. Saddler's Rock

Timeform View: Opinion Poll had several of these in behind at both Goodwood and York and is likely to go very well in his hat-trick bid. His biggest dangers are the upwardly-mobile pair Motrice and Saddler's Rock.

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