TimeformBlog

Lexi's Hero is a strong-travelling front runner who won 6f handicaps at Chester and York in 2011. Yet to scale same heights this term, but better than bare result at Windsor last time, so not written off.

Mac's Power failed to win in 2011, but boasted some very good placed form in top events. Ran a good deal better than bare result in Wokingham last time and unlikely to be too far away.

Chunky Diamond had a decent campaign at 2 yrs, winning twice and runner-up in listed company on final start at Doncaster. Not at best either start this season and ground might be on the slow side for him.

Shropshire was gelded before return, and landed 6f Kempton handicap in March. Improved again to finish a good second of 24 at Newmarket in May and put some lesser runs behind him at Windsor last time.

Imperial Guest produced largely respectable efforts in 2011 after making winning reappearance over C&D. Not at best in competitive handicaps here so far this year but drop in trip/weights will help. Can go well.

Noble Citizen was back at level shown when scoring over C&D in 2011 when chasing home Primaeval from a poor position at Goodwood (7f) in May. Eyeshields left off now back at 6f.

Thunderball has been better than ever this year, winning for second time over C&D in May. Handicapper in charge since, however, and might find a few of these better treated.

Farlow has reportedly not been easiest to train, but made up for lost time in 2011, winning 3 times. Resumed progress when adding to that at Doncaster (6f) in May and another good run when last seen.

Lutine Bell was in frame 5 times in handicaps around 6f last year, usually in blinkers. Promise on return but ran poorly at Windsor last time (well backed). Headgear left off once more.

Top Cop won Bath minor event last summer and resumed progress when narrowly beaten in hot Newmarket handicap in May. Ground a valid excuse last time and still relatively unexposed.

Seeking Magic is a lightly-raced gelding who progressed well last year, winning at Bath in October. Runner-up on first 2 starts this year and still looked in form at Epsom last time. This looks tougher.

Elna Bright won here in September and career best to take Wolverhampton handicap last November. Eye-catcher on all 3 turf runs this year, markedly so at Sandown last time, and interesting off current mark.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Imperial Guest
2. Mac's Power
3. Top Cop

Timeform View: Imperial Guest will be happier back at 6f and he can prove the answer in a very competitive race. Mac's Power shouldn't be far away under these conditions, while Top Cop and Farlow are others to consider.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/