TimeformBlog

Sir Pedro hails from a proven sprinting family, and landed a 20-runner maiden at Doncaster by 3½ lengths from Iffraam on last month's debut, quickening clear. Handicapper not been harsh, and yard hitting form now.

Jack Who's He won first 2 races as a 2-y-o and not discredited in better company afterwards. Finished well when fourth over 8.3f here on return, but must bounce back from a poor run at Salisbury last time.

Wise Venture won his first 2 starts last year before being found out in pattern company. No impact on return over 1m at Haydock, but possible to make excuses for that, and he's not one to write off just yet.

Heyward Girl made all to win 2 of 4 starts last term, and shaped as if in need of the run on her return in April. Break since suggests there was more to that than a lack of fitness, though, and bit to prove now.

Gung Ho Jack won maiden and nursery at 6f on turf last year, but has been a long way below form on either side of a winter break (gelded in interim), and while capable of bouncing back, not easy to support.

Bella Ophelia made giant strides on fibresand early in year, and showed herself as good on turf when an unlucky second in a soft-ground Newmarket handicap last time. Rarely runs a bad race, and shortlisted.

Duke of Firenze fulfilled promise he'd shown on C&D debut when winning over 6f at Carlisle in August. Shaped as if amiss when last of 12 on reappearance here in April, but likely to prove that form all wrong.

Dishy Guru improved to land 6f handicaps at Lingfield (AW) and Folkestone in the spring, but has lost form as quickly as he found it, and soundly beaten on last 2 starts at this level.

Mister Musicmaster took off in nurseries last season, winning 2 before excellent third at York. Best effort this year when fourth over 5f here in May, and blinkers fitted after a one-paced effort last time.

Marygold is a front runner who won Brighton maiden and Bath nursery at 2 yrs, but hasn't found her form in 3 runs this season. Better signs here (5f) last time, but much more needed to make a breakthrough.

Royal Reyah was a winner of a Bath maiden and Doncaster nursery at 2 yrs and even better when runner-up first 2 starts this term. Missed the break on latest outing, and safe to discount that effort. Not ruled out.

Fast Finian finished in the frame all 4 starts at 2 yrs for Mick Halford, and improved to win a Kempton handicap on debut for new yard with a bit to spare 12 days ago. Raised just 2 lb for that, and one to bear in mind.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Sir Pedro
2. Fast Finian
3. Bella Ophelia

Timeform Verdict: Sir Pedro won well on debut, and has been handed a realistic opening mark, so gets the vote with his yard hitting form. Fast Finian had something in hand when scoring at Kempton and looks a threat, while the consistent Bella Ophelia won't be far away again.

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