TimeformBlog

Mawaakef bounced back from poor effort at Sandown to score in 7f Yarmouth handicap 3 days later. Excellent second at Epsom last time (clear of the third) but up 8 lb as a result.

George Guru is lightly raced and has taken form to a new level on AW this winter, winning 3 times. Suggested he would prove as good on turf when sixth at Sandown last time, but slower ground a worry.

Norse Blues produced more than respectable efforts in handicaps off this mark since regaining winning thread at Doncaster (1m) in March, but likely to be found wanting again all the same.

Vainglory bagged 1m handicap at York in October and signs of return to form on last 2 starts. On a competitive mark and shouldn't mind conditions, so dangerous to rule out.

Shifting Star done well since joining this yard and added to his tally over 7f at Goodwood last month. Respectable run off revised mark on the AW last time, but suspicion this will test his stamina too much.

Shavansky is a slow starter but did win 1m Chepstow handicap last summer. Took step back in the right direction when second at Kempton last month and wasn't disgraced at Newmarket last time. On handy mark.

Trade Commissioner is a gelded son of Montjeu out of Sun Chariot winner Spinning Queen. Built on debut promise when comfortably landing Sandown maiden last month and respectable run on handicap debut. Still unexposed.

Shamaal Nibras was back to winning ways for new yard in 7f Kempton handicap in April, and added to tally on testing ground at Sandown last time. Another step in right direction there, but did have run of race.

Leviathan is a hold-up performer who ended losing run over C&D 12 months ago. Potentially well treated now but hasn't been anywhere near in 2 runs this year. Cheekpieces might help.

First Post was better than ever when winning 1m handicaps at Ascot and Sandown in 2011. Mostly respectable efforts in defeat this year, though not always looked straightforward. Place claims nonetheless.

Uppercut showed good battling qualities when narrowly getting the job done in a 1m Leicester handicap in October, and shaped encouragingly after 7 months off on AW return last month. Frame claims.

Fantasy Gladiator is arguably better on AW than turf, but mostly performed creditably on both surfaces last year, winning at Nottingham in October. Below par so far this year and others stronger.

Roserrow stepped up on Newmarket debut when landing Lingfield maiden over this trip last month (form franked since) and another good run when length second in Kempton handicap since. May do better still.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Trade Commissioner
2. Shavansky
3. Shamaal Nibras

Timeform View: Trade Commissioner is still open to further improvement and can come out on top in a trappy event. Shavansky and Shamaal Nibras could be the pair to chase him home.

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