TimeformBlog

Albaqaa won pair of big-field handicaps last summer, and shaped quite well when fifth to Trade Commissioner at Sandown last month. Better than bare result last time, but this trip is on the sharp side.

Lutine Bell can be hampered by slow starts, but back to best when second of 18 at Doncaster (7f) last time. Clear of third there, and should remain competitive despite a 5 lb hike in the weights.

Dubai Hills put up best turf effort in 2011 when third in the Lincoln, and took a 7f soft-ground Redcar handicap in June. Well beaten in 3 subsequent outings, however, and often finds little for pressure.

Harrison George won 4 times in 2010, but endured a barren campaign last year, and well beaten in a first-time tongue tie on debut for new yard at Newmarket recently. Plenty to prove now.

Noble Citizen has had a mixed bag since ending the drought at Ascot (6f) a year ago, and well below form on last 2 starts. Attitude been called into question, and not one for maximum faith at the best of times.

Bay Knight was a tough front runner for Kevin Condon, taking minor event at Tipperary in August. Largely below par for Stan Moore this year, and never a factor for new yard over 1m here earlier in the month.

Mr David is an inconsistent sort who was revived by blinkers to score at Newmarket early this month. Has failed to back that effort up in 2 starts since, however, and hard to catch right.

Shifting Star has been disappointing since scoring at Goodwood in May and twice down the field at Glorious meeting there early this month. Fared no better in refitted tongue tie at Windsor on Saturday.

Esprit de Midas made winning start for current yard over C&D in April, and in frame 3 times over this trip since. Well held last twice, although possible to find excuses, and no forlorn hope here.

Mizwaaj is generally progressive, and stamina stretched when fourth of 12 over 1m here in June. Resumed progress when beating Dutch Supreme in a C&D handicap later that month, and sure to go well again.

Chapter and Verse drew a blank last year but many good efforts in defeat, and back to form when fourth of 14 over 1m here last time. Hard to win with, though, and this trip is on the short side for him.

My Son Max gained first win since leaving Richard Hannon when getting up late in a C&D handicap in May. Good efforts since, again looking in need of further when mid-field over 6f at Newmarket last time. Respected.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mizwaaj
2. My Son Max
3. Lutine Bell

Timeform Verdict: An absence since June is a slight worry for C&D winner Mizwaaj, but he makes plenty of appeal otherwise, and remains open to improvement at this trip. My Son Max will appreciate a return to 7f and looks the main danger, ahead of recent Doncaster second Lutine Bell.

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