TimeformBlog

Timeform run the rule over the St James's Palace Stakes, a Group 1 for three-year-olds on the opening day of the Royal Meeting...


Arnold Lane showed useful form as a 2-y-o, but looked out of his depth when tried in Group company. Much improved when beating Gabrial in a handicap at Chester last month, but this looks a bridge too far.

Born to Sea landed listed race on Curragh debut last year. Found out at the top level since, although set too much to do when fifth to Power in Irish 2000 Guineas (hooded), and remains capable of better.

Cogito was unraced at 2 yrs, but has won both starts this season, taking step up to listed company in his stride at Sandown last time. Open to further improvement, but set a stiff task at this lofty level.

Dragon Pulse won Futurity Stakes for Jessica Harrington last year, and took scalp of Dabirsim on debut for new yard at Longchamp in April. Failed to settle when well held in Poulains last time, and not dismissed.

Fencing ran creditably behind Camelot in Racing Post Trophy and 2000 Guineas, but once again had his limitations exposed in the Dante last time, and likely to be vulnerable once more back over 1m.

Foxtrot Romeo was having just fourth career start when finding only Power too strong in Irish 2000 Guineas on reappearance. No obvious reason why he'll turn that form around but place claims again.

Gabrial progressing along right lines, building on second to Arnold Lane at Chester when taking 1m handicap at Haydock last time. Has been supplemented for this race, but another big leap forward needed now.

Gregorian improved on 2-y-o efforts when winning 7f handicap at Newbury on return, and excelled himself when fifth to Lucayan in Poulains at Longchamp. Well held in Prix du Jockey Club last time, though.

Hermival was an excellent third to French Fifteen in Prix Djebel on return, and built on that when third to Camelot in 2000 Guineas. Effort best ignored in Irish equivalent last time, and one to take seriously.

Lucayan has improved with each start, taking listed race at Toulouse before beating 11 others in a rather messy Poule d'Essai des Poulains (in cheekpieces) last time. Wide stall could make life tricky here.

Miblish improved on juvenile efforts when runner-up in a 6-runner minor event at Kempton in April, but soundly beaten in Craven Stakes last time, and looks out of his depth at this level of competition.

Most Improved's best effort at 2 yrs when third in Dewhurst on final start, and was gambled for 2000 Guineas on reports of impressive work only to miss the race. Easy to excuse latest run, and not one to give up on.

Power finished in front of Most Improved when an excellent second in the Dewhurst, and put 2000 Guineas flop behind him when winning Irish equivalent last time. Sets the standard on that effort.

Saigon won maiden and listed race at 2 yrs, but limitations have been well exposed in stronger company since, and he's easy to oppose at this level.

The Nile has quickly made up into a smart performer, following a maiden win at Lingfield with good second in listed race at Newmarket. Step back up to 1m will suit, and makes some each-way appeal.

Wrote enjoyed a progressive 2-y-o, ending campaign with victory in Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Not repeated that form this season, although ostensibly used as a pacemaker for Power in Irish 2000 Guineas last time.

Timeform Verdict
1. Hermival
2. Power
3. The Nile

Timeform View: Power sets the standard on his Irish 2000 Guineas win, but he's unlikely to represent much value, and it's worth chancing Hermival to turn the tables having had excuses at the Curragh. The Nile is progressing steadily, and looks to have each-way claims from a handy draw.



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