TimeformBlog

Mia's Boy is a hold-up performer who won 2 of last 3 starts in 2011. Run well in defeat on polytrack this year and not ruled out back at a more suitable trip following a couple of lesser recent efforts on turf.

Bravo Echo is winless since taking Kempton event over 1m in January 2011, stopping quickly returned to turf in April and chequered record remains a concern now tongue tied back on AW.

Piscean was a cosy winner of 7f handicaps at Wolverhampton and Kempton earlier in the year. Not the type to stay down for long following a modest run last time, but never won off a mark this high.

Shifting Star was back on the scoreboard over C&D in January. Gutsy display to edge out Piscean and Corporal Maddox when going in again at Goodwood last month and no reason why he shouldn't give another good account.

Ducal has been progressive for Sir Mark Prescott and continued in same vein for this yard, landing brace of 7f Kempton handicaps. Collared dying strides back there last time and ought to go well again.

Sacrosanctus was successful 4 times at up to 7f in 2011 (including on polytrack). Back to best when worn down late in a big-field 6f Epsom handicap recently and another that enters calculations.

Caldercruix registered second AW win at Southwell (6f) in March. Continued run of consistent efforts when close-up sixth off this mark at Doncaster (7f) in April and not out of this by any means.

Corporal Maddox is feasibly treated after drawing a blank since juvenile days. Rubbing shoulders with Shifting Star and Piscean after a troubled passage at Goodwood last month and contender if getting the breaks.

Baby Strange is a terrific stable servant who looks ready to strike again based on his prominent efforts in recent weeks, but all 8 career wins have come over sprint distances.

Timeform Verdict
1. Ducal
2. Shifting Star
3. Corporal Maddox

Timeform View: Nothing can be ruled out in a cracking handicap, Ducal just shading the verdict after maintaining his upward curve in defeat at Kempton last time. Shifting Star and Corporal Maddox may prove the best alternatives.

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