TimeformBlog

Clear Ice scored twice at this track at sprint trips in August, and had Magical Speedfit 3 lengths behind when taking 5-runner C&D event on first occasion. Ran poorly at Yarmouth last time, but can do better here.

Mi Regalo won a 6f maiden at Kempton in December, and raced only twice since, suggesting he's had his share of problems. Well held after an absence at Goodwood last time, but too early to write off.

Grandmas Dream landed a 5f Lingfield maiden in February. Proved consistent since, but needed drop to claiming company to win on AW last month, and found out back in a handicap last time. Blinkers back on now.

Magical Speedfit is a hold-up sort who won this contest in 2009, and has scored 4 times over C&D in all. Below best at Folkestone in August, but now below last winning mark, and one to take seriously.

Billy Red won 3 times at 5f/6f last year and best when able to lead, as was the case when runner-up over C&D in May. Had 2 of these behind when second at Lingfield last time, and can go well with a repeat.

Stratton Banker is better on AW than turf, running out an easy winner at Kempton (5f) in January, but well held on both runs in a truncated turf campaign since. Has something to prove at present, but market useful.

Commandingpresence took 49 goes to get off the mark but has flourished lately, winning at Salisbury and over C&D last month. Poorly drawn when well held behind pair of these at Lingfield on latest outing.

Athwaab won twice in the spring for Noel Quinlan, latter victory coming over C&D. Split Commandingpresence and Even Bolder when third of 8 at Salisbury last time, and moved yards again in meantime.

Even Bolder has not added to his tally in 2011, but has made the frame on 8 occasions, and now 4 lb lower than for last win. Not beaten far at Goodwood last time, but needs to show more mettle to break losing run.

Picansort was twice successful on polytrack around the turn of the year, and almost certainly better on AW than turf. Not discredited at Windsor last time, but 1 lb out of weights here, and opposable again.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Billy Red
2. Magical Speedfit
3. Even Bolder

Timeform View: Magical Speedfit bids to win this contest for a second time and is respected, while the frustrating Even Bolder is capable of going close, but Billy Red may be able to dominate from the outset, and looks the one they all have to catch.

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