TimeformBlog

Ed De Gas won first 3 starts, and bounced back from a below-par effort in the Lingfield Derby Trial when third in the 2m Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot. Should go well again despite drop back in trip.

Fennell Bay has been largely progressive since joining this yard, gaining fourth win of year in King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot. Well held last time, however, and must bounce back to have any chance here.

Goldoni improved at 1¼m this year, landing heavy-ground Epsom Derby Trial in April, and back to form when a creditable sixth of 10 in Royal Ascot Group 3 last time. Vulnerable to improvers.

New Youmzain is bred on same lines as same connections' high-class middle-distance performer Youmzain, and improved on debut effort when taking a 1½m Thirsk maiden in May. More required at this level.

Sparkling Portrait progressed to win 1¼m handicaps at Beverley and Newmarket first 2 starts this year. Much better than result when behind Fennell Bay at Royal Ascot last time, and not one to take lightly.

Act Your Shoe Size improved to win 9f Carlisle handicap in May and further progress when showing good attitude to narrowly outpoint No Poppy at Thirsk last month. Stamina not assured now stepping up in grade.

Albamara romped home in 8.5f Epsom maiden last summer, and picked up progressive thread when third in a Newbury listed race on return. Will be suited by stiffer test now and leading claims.

Naseem Alyasmeen has been steadily progressive, landing third win of year in Chester handicap last month. Best effort when second in Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket (13f) last week and player if this doesn't come too soon.

Perfect Delight is a consistent sort who gained a deserved first career success in 1¼m Newbury maiden in June. Stiff task at Newmarket last time, and likely to come up short again in this company.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Albamara
2. Naseem Alyasmeen
3. Sparkling Portrait

Timeform View: A competitive renewal of this listed prize. Albamara shaped well on her return at a similar level at Newbury and gets the nod with further improvement on the cards. The likes of Naseem Alyasmeen, Sparkling Portrait and Ed de Gas will ensure she doesn't have things all her own way, though.

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