TimeformBlog

Ley Hunter was a smart performer up to 2½m last term for Andre Fabre, winning Group 3 at Longchamp in September before good third in Prix du Cadran following month. Penalty to carry but still respected.

Opinion Poll is firmly established now as one of the top stayers around, winning Goodwood Cup and another Group 2 at York last year. Looked as good as ever when bagging Dubai Gold Cup in March and the one to beat.

Aaim To Prosper is the 2010 Cesarewitch winner who improved again last year, just denied by Chiberta King in listed race over C&D before creditable sixth to Opinion Poll in Goodwood Cup when last seen in July. Stiff task.

Askar Tau is quirky but back to best when landing Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last spring, and ran well when fifth in Ascot Gold Cup in June. Not seen since, however, and has needed reappearance in the past.

Blue Bajan was better than ever for this stable last season, winning this race before coming third in Goodwood Cup. Hasn't reached same levels this term, though, and this year's renewal looks stronger than last.

Chiberta King is a front runner who graduated from handicaps last year, winning at listed level. Came up short when tried in Group races, however, and similar scenario expected here.

Old Hundred ended last year on a high at Doncaster and continued steady progress when making a winning return at Kempton in April. Had more in hand than margin suggests that day, but pitched into deep end now.

Times Up improved again in 2011, winning handicap at Newmarket and listed races at York and Newmarket. Respectable fourth in Yorkshire Cup on return 2 weeks ago and should come on for run. Frame claims.

Zuider Zee was knocking on the door in top handicaps last season prior to landing November Handicap. Returned in good heart when second in Nottingham listed race but more improvement required if he's to figure.

Ibicenco was a smart performer for Jens Hirschberger (Germany) in 2011, second to Campanologist in Cologne Group 1 in September. Failed to meet expectations on return/debut for new yard at Newbury, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Opinion Poll
2. Times Up
3. Ley Hunter

Timeform View: Opinion Poll is as tough as they come and is hard to oppose in this field despite having a penalty to carry. Times Up and Ley Hunter can make a place.

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