TimeformBlog

Astrology was impressive on 2-y-o bow and better efforts when third in Group company on next 2 starts despite displaying a degree of temperament. Can do better still if those quirks can be ironed out.

Bonfire is a half-brother to Musidora winner Joviality, and looks a high-class colt himself, beating Cubanita on debut before a good third to French Fifteen in French Group 1 in October. Sets the bar pretty high.

Kingsdesire followed easy AW maiden win with a defeat of 10 rivals in a Doncaster handicap over this trip on reappearance. Form of that race has worked out, and he's well worth his place at this level.

Oxford Charley won a 1m maiden at Salisbury on debut in September, and back on an upward curve when fourth in Feilden Stakes at Newmarket (9f) last month. Better than result there, but this looks too tough.

Prince Alzain was progressive at 2 yrs, winning twice on polytrack, and another good run when second to Talwar in 1m listed event at Lingfield last month. That appears his limit, however, and opposable now.

Uriah Heep is from family of yard's Derby winner North Light, and built on debut form when a good second to Minimise Risk in 11f maiden at Newbury last month. Takes big step up in class, but folly to ignore.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Bonfire
2. Astrology
3. Kinsdesire

Timeform View: Bonfire is the most credible Derby candidate in the field, and should take this on his way to a crack at Epsom. Astrology has his quirks, but is just preferred to Kingsdesire for second.

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