TimeformBlog

Rakaan improved when adding to tally at Meydan in February 2011. Probably needed the run on last month's return at Chester after a year off, and this will reveal more, though rain would be against him.

Don't Call Me signed off 2011 with success in 1m Ayr handicap on soft ground, and easily best effort this season when third in Hunt Cup at Ascot last time. Stable coming to the boil and must be of interest.

Wannabe King was successful off a 7 lb higher mark at Sandown last term and shaped well on debut for new yard in a 1¼m minor event at Ripon in April. Headgear removed following a lesser effort the following month.

Lord Aeryn has produced plenty of solid efforts in defeat having been hit hard by the assessor for his success at Doncaster in April 2011. Best to ignore latest York run and return to 1m will suit.

Alakhan is an imposing sort who returned from 17 months off with impressive success in 7f Chester handicap last September. 1½m was probably too far on latest return to action, and quickly back in trip.

Space War was a winner for John Gosden in 2010, and runner-up in big-field Doncaster handicap (1¼m) in October. Yet to fire this season, though last 2 runs over 7f were probably an insufficient test.

Eastern Hills added 4 more fibresand wins to his tally in 2011, and solid effort on turf when third at Doncaster (7f) in April. Well beaten twice since, though, and handicapper appears to have his measure.

Basseterre was a winner on debut at Lingfield in January and continued the upward curve when adding to that over C&D in May. Even better form in defeat at Ayr (lot to do) so one to keep on side.

Assizes is a well-bred colt who made the perfect start in 1m Newbury maiden last October. Efforts in handicaps this year have to go down as disappointing, even allowing for a better effort at Ayr 12 days ago.

Kinloch Castle won Southwell maiden final 2-y-o start and more progress when close third at Musselburgh (1m) on return. Unable to continue the good work since, though may be freshened by a short break.

Timeform Verdict
1. Bassesterre
2. Don't Call Me
3. Lord Aeryn

Timeform View: Don't Call Me has to be of serious interest having left a series of disappointing efforts behind him when placed in the Hunt Cup last time, but Basseterre remains a 3-y-o to keep on side, and he's just preferred. Lord Aeryn is the pick of the remainder back over 1m.

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