TimeformBlog

Eye of the Tiger was a smart performer when with Andre Fabre/Jens Hirschberger, winning a Group 2 at Cologne for latter in 2010. No show either start for this yard and only of interest if strong in betting.

Tmaam relished stiffer stamina test when winning 11.7f Bath maiden last September and good effort when second to Anatolian on handicap debut later that month. Not seen since, but remains with potential.

Purification was off 10 months prior to reappearance and showed benefit of that spin when good third to Ramona Chase at Windsor last month. Blinkers tried now and one for the shortlist with conditions fine.

Number Theory returned an improved performer with 2 runs here, third in strong handicap on return before winning over this C&D by 5 lengths last month. Bumped up 10 lb for that but still warrants respect.

Ittirad is a strong sort who was clear-cut winner of 1½m Newcastle maiden last spring. In and out since, but gelded prior to return at Epsom where he was better than result in fourth. Could be worth chancing.

Very Good Day has only a maiden win to his credit and endured fruitless time of things in 2011. Respectable runs both starts this season, but had things go his way last time and generally looks vulnerable.

Mica Mika won over hurdles in December and has returned to Flat better than ever, winning at Chester before finishing runner-up to Mulaqen at York. 3 lb higher and up against more unexposed rivals here.

Alakhan is an imposing sort who returned from 17 months off with impressive success in 7f Chester handicap last September. Better than result next 3 starts, though has stamina to prove upped to this trip now.

Bollin Greta started 2011 with a win at Nottingham, but questions grew during the year over her resolution for all she generally ran well in form terms. Likely to find couple too strong on return to action.

Royal Swain was back to his best when scoring in 1¾m handicap at Doncaster early last month, but poor effort at Musselburgh next time. Likely to bounce back but vulnerable to less exposed types for win purposes.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Ittirad
2. Purification
3. Tmaam

Timeform View: An interesting handicap featuring a clutch of unexposed 4-y-o's who look as if they've yet to hit their respective ceilings. Ittirad just about tops the list after an encouraging comeback, with Purification, Tmaam and Number Theory others to consider.

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