Bonfire is a half-brother to Musidora winner Joviality, and looks a high-class colt himself, winning on debut before third, unlucky not to push French Fifteen closer, in French Group 1 in October. Big player.
Dream Tune cost €300,000 as a yearling and is from good family. Better than bare form of debut sixth at Newbury in October (1m) and improved when runner-up to Noble Mission (won since) on return. Lot more needed, though.
Ektihaam was most impressive when winning first 2 starts last year and can't have been right when disappointing in Dewhurst on final start. Won 1¼m minor event at Newbury on return, and needs considering.
Ernest Hemingway is bred to be smart, and could hardly have been more impressive when slamming rivals by 10 lengths in 10-runner Dundalk maiden (1¼m) on debut last month. Open to significant improvement.
Fencing was a ready winner of Newbury listed event on second start at 2 yrs. Creditable efforts behind Camelot in Racing Post Trophy (third) in October and 2000 Guineas (sixth) on return, and 1¼m should suit.
Mandaean won both starts when trained by Andre Fabre in France at 2 yrs, most recently in Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1¼m) in November. Sure to improve further this year and much respected.
Ptolemaic has improved since being fitted with visor, runner-up in Pontefract listed race in October. Fourth in Craven on return and improved seventh in 2000 Guineas latest. Lacks potential of rivals, though.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Bonfire
2. Mandaean
3. Ernest Hemingway
Timeform Verdict: Bonfire created a big impression when third behind subsequent 2000 Guineas runner-up French Fifteen in a Group 1 in France on just his second career start last year, and he can confirm himself a top prospect for the season ahead by landing this Group 2. Mandaean and Ernest Hemingway are similarly exciting having done nothing wrong themselves, and they are feared most.
For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/
29 Oct 12
11 Oct 12
05 Oct 12
03 Oct 12