TimeformBlog

Al Khaleej is smart at best and signs that he still retained most of his ability last year. This an easier race than he's contested for a while and has gone well fresh in past. Heavy ground an unknown, though.

Noble Citizen has run quite a few good races at Ascot, ending a losing run over 6f there last July. On a fair mark but testing ground a major concern (raced mainly on good or firmer).

Mawaakef's best effort for this yard when runner-up at Southwell (1m) in February, but overall profile far from convincing, beaten 19½ lengths into third under similar conditions at Sandown on Saturday.

Space Station was back to best in 7f Epsom handicap in June, landing race for second successive year. Below par on last month's return but usual blinkers back in place now and better expected. Is proven in mud.

Triple Charm progressed to win 3 times since autumn and not disgraced in fourth over 6f at Kempton last time. Return to 7f will suit and much less exposed than rest of these. Ground an unknown, though.

Rigoletto posted some solid efforts in competitive handicaps last season. Does go in the mud but seemingly hasn't returned in top form, not close to his best when third of 4 at Brighton last week.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Space Station
2. Triple Charm
3. Al Khaleej

Timeform View: Triple Charm is sure to be popular but the ground is an unknown and it may be worth opposing her with Space Station, who will handle the conditions and should be sharper for last month's reappearance.

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