TimeformBlog

18:15 - The Richard Hannon-trained Rhamnus made a most encouraging start when second at Newmarket last month, beaten just half a length by Fortinbrass but likely to have won had he not forfeited around five lengths at the start, and he looks capable of gaining compensation for that defeat. Uncomplicated has finished runner-up on both starts to date, arguably making her effort earlier than ideal when run down on collared close home on the latter occasion, and she could still make some improvement.

18:50 - Expose, trained by William Haggas, built on his racecourse debut when easily winning at Wolverhampton in September 2010. His most recent start, in this month last year, saw him comfortably land a Newmarket handicap on his first start at five furlongs and he has to be included in the 'pot, although his lengthy absence means he does not strike as banker material. Signifer has run well in defeat on all three starts this season, putting up a career-best at Windsor when visored for the first time on the most recent occasion, and he should go well if the headgear does the trick once more.

19:25 - Tartiflette makes plenty of appeal in the third leg, given how well the form from her win at Doncaster and her second-placed effort at Newbury is working out. The aforementioned race contained a quartet of next-time-out winners, each improving markedly, whilst her second to subsequent French 2000 Guineas fifth Gregorian also reads well. Her latest run was a fair effort, despite not being seen to best effect having been hampered leaving the stalls, and she can make amends for that.

19:55 - Yojimbo returned to form when dropped back to a mile at Newbury, finishing a good third to Ree's Rascal, and he looks likely to be on the premises once more. It is worth taking on Jawhar, who was disappointing when odds-on last time at Yarmouth and has made the track just three times in his career, and it is Spa's Dancer that gets the nod. The five-year-old usually gave his running for John Hills, despite sometimes finishing weakly, and he got right back to form for his new yard at Chester last time and is fully effective under these conditions (C&D winner on this ground last year).

20:30 - The fifth leg is a fascinating race, with plenty of newcomers of definite interest, but the sensible option could be to side with a pair who have previous experience and look capable of making ample improvement. Nabucco, out of 1000 Guineas winner Cape Verdi, made a highly promising start to his career when finishing fourth at Newbury last month, in need of the experience but not being helped by being hampered on numerous occasions. He finished with running left and is open to above-average improvement. Biographer, whose unraced dam is a close relative of Bosra Sham and Hector Protector, also shaped promisingly on his debut at Windsor, keeping on well for hands-and-heels, and he looks sure to progress.

21:00 - The two that make the most appeal to see us safely across the line are Tilsworth Glenboy and O Ma Lad, the former a strong-travelling soft-ground specialist who can be excused his last below-par effort (saddle slipped at an early stage), whilst O Ma Lad overcame trouble to win at Catterick and should run well despite a 5 lb higher mark.

Selections:
18:15 - 3, 10
18:50 - 5, 7
19:25 - 3
19:55 - 1, 2
20:30 - 1, 10
21:00 - 5, 6
= 32 lines

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Bay Knight was a durable front-runner for Kevin Condon in Ireland last year, winning a minor event at Tipperary. Not yet fully firing for new yard and can't be supported until showing more spark.

Dubai Dynamo is a tough and useful handicapper who got back to winning ways in 1m Ripon handicap in May. Not at best there since and plenty on his plate here.

Invisible Man put up several creditable efforts in 2011, third in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot and runner-up in Turkish Group 2 in September. Ran well on reappearance that season and looks sure to make bold bid here.

Rodrigo de Torres won 7f minor event at Doncaster in 2010. Returned in good form when twice runner-up but ran poorly at Ascot last time and even return to very best unlikely to be good enough here.

St Moritz is a tough front runner who won 3 times in 2011. Ran a cracker when second (later demoted) in the Doncaster Mile in April and leading player if bouncing straight back from poor run at Epsom on Friday.

Graphic won Salisbury maiden and 7f minor event at Kempton in 2011. Solid efforts both starts in handicaps on turf this year, but stiff task at the weights here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. St Moritz
2. Invisible Man
3. Rodrigo de Torres

Timeform Verdict: Front runner St Moritz is well suited to a small field such as this and is taken to bounce back from a poor run at Epsom on Friday. Invisible Man is the obvious danger.

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Betterbetterbetter stepped up on debut when winning 11f maiden at Dundalk in March with plenty in hand. Further progress when just touched off in Cheshire Oaks last time, but this demands plenty more.

Colima made impressive debut at Nottingham (1m) in November and improved for step up in trip when chasing home Vow at Lingfield (1½m, AW) on return. Will do well to reverse that form, though.

Coquet quickly progressed to a useful level last term, taking 1m listed race at Newmarket on final run. Defied penalty at Goodwood (1¼m) on recent return and likely to stay 1½m. Not discounted.

Devotion went right way with each run at 2 yrs and showed benefit of reappearance run to record career best when second in Leopardstown Group 3 (1m) last time. Bred for this sort of test, but needs to improve.

Kailani is the daughter of 1000 Guineas/Oaks winner Kazzia. Made winning start at Yarmouth (1m) in October and dotted up in Newmarket listed race (1¼m) on return. Supplemented for this, and worth considering.

Kissed is bred to excel around Epsom and form to date has been highly promising, with easy wins in Navan maiden/listed race. Inexperienced and connections have expressed ground concerns, but respected.

Maybe made big strides last summer, unbeaten in five starts and signing off with ready success in Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh. Third in 1000 Guineas on return, but not sure to stay 1½m.

Nayarra got off the mark in style when taking Italian Group 1 on final run at 2 yrs, but even her best effort in 3 runs this year (runner-up in Nell Gwyn) leaves her with plenty to find, and stamina to prove.

Shirocco Star won 1m Newbury maiden on second start last year and better form when just touched off over 1¼m back there in listed race recently. Frame claims if building on that, but others preferred.

The Fugue created big impression when winning Newmarket maiden at 2 yrs and built on that with good fourth in 1000 Guineas on return. Ready winner of Musidora (1¼m) last time, and big player here.

Toptempo is better than most thrice-raced maidens, showing a near-useful level of form last autumn and shaping quite well at Newmarket on her return. Lot more on her plate here, though.

Twirl got off the mark at second time of asking at Leopardstown last autumn but has progressed only steadily from that this year, going down to The Fugue at York last time. Work to do to reverse that form.

Vow boasts a fine middle-distance pedigree and has quickly set about living up to it, winning on debut at Newbury (1¼m) and scoring readily at Lingfield (1½m, AW). Leading player.

Was was a very expensive as a yearling (sold for 1,200,000 gns) and made promising start to career, winning maiden in August and third in 1¼m Naas Group 3 on return. Should be more to come.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. The Fugue
2. Vow
3. Kissed

Timeform View: The Fugue's career to date has been pretty much textbook so far as preparing for the Oaks goes, with a good Guineas showing followed by an impressive victory in a leading trial, and she looks the likeliest winner. Vow and Kissed are also respected, while the up-and-coming Coquet shouldn't be dismissed.

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Ley Hunter was a smart performer up to 2½m last term for Andre Fabre, winning Group 3 at Longchamp in September before good third in Prix du Cadran following month. Penalty to carry but still respected.

Opinion Poll is firmly established now as one of the top stayers around, winning Goodwood Cup and another Group 2 at York last year. Looked as good as ever when bagging Dubai Gold Cup in March and the one to beat.

Aaim To Prosper is the 2010 Cesarewitch winner who improved again last year, just denied by Chiberta King in listed race over C&D before creditable sixth to Opinion Poll in Goodwood Cup when last seen in July. Stiff task.

Askar Tau is quirky but back to best when landing Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last spring, and ran well when fifth in Ascot Gold Cup in June. Not seen since, however, and has needed reappearance in the past.

Blue Bajan was better than ever for this stable last season, winning this race before coming third in Goodwood Cup. Hasn't reached same levels this term, though, and this year's renewal looks stronger than last.

Chiberta King is a front runner who graduated from handicaps last year, winning at listed level. Came up short when tried in Group races, however, and similar scenario expected here.

Old Hundred ended last year on a high at Doncaster and continued steady progress when making a winning return at Kempton in April. Had more in hand than margin suggests that day, but pitched into deep end now.

Times Up improved again in 2011, winning handicap at Newmarket and listed races at York and Newmarket. Respectable fourth in Yorkshire Cup on return 2 weeks ago and should come on for run. Frame claims.

Zuider Zee was knocking on the door in top handicaps last season prior to landing November Handicap. Returned in good heart when second in Nottingham listed race but more improvement required if he's to figure.

Ibicenco was a smart performer for Jens Hirschberger (Germany) in 2011, second to Campanologist in Cologne Group 1 in September. Failed to meet expectations on return/debut for new yard at Newbury, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Opinion Poll
2. Times Up
3. Ley Hunter

Timeform View: Opinion Poll is as tough as they come and is hard to oppose in this field despite having a penalty to carry. Times Up and Ley Hunter can make a place.

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Baileys Jubilee created a big impression in winning first 2 starts, before a disappointing run in listed company at York last time. That surely not her running, and leading claims if bouncing back now.

Blue Clumber's best effort to date was when fifth in Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester on penultimate outing, but that form not strong, and she was firmly put in her place back in maiden company last time.

Cymeriad is a Choisir filly out of a 5f to 1m winner. Shaped well amidst greenness when second to Sylvia Pankhurst in a polytrack maiden recently, and will improve, but this looks too tough.

Dream Vale improved on debut effort when landing a 5f maiden at Catterick (soft) early this month, and possible race came too soon when well held in listed race at York last time. Bit to prove on balance.

Jadanna is from family of smart sprinter Galeota, and had Lasilia back in fifth when making a winning debut at Pontefract last month. Different conditions here, but she's entitled to progress.

Judy in Disgusie knew her job when an easy winner on debut at Folkestone in April, and improved on that effort when taking a minor event at Salisbury last time from subsequent winner All On Red. Much respected.

Lasilia hinted at ability when fifth behind Jadanna on debut at Pontefract (5f, heavy), and improved to land a similar event at Hamilton last time. Must prove herself on quicker ground, but not dismissed.

Mayfield Girl landed a Thirsk maiden on third outing early this month, and had a trio of these behind when second to Ceiling Kitty in listed race at York last time. Has very tricky draw to overcome here, though.

Sylvia Pankhurst shaped with promise when fast-finishing ½-length third of 9 on Ripon debut (5f) last month, and belatedly built on that when beating Cymeriad at Wolverhampton last time. Much more on her plate here.

Tharawal Lady made a winning debut in a heavy-ground C&D maiden last month, but could manage only fourth in Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester next time. Not seen to best effect there, but improvement required now.

Threes Grand overcame inexperience to make a winning debut at Windsor (5f, soft) last month, and ran to a similar level when fourth of 6 in a minor event at Newmarket last time. Much more required at this level.

Woodland Mill beat Ceiling Kitty on debut at Kempton in March, and back to form when fourth to same filly in listed race at York last time. Unlucky in running there, and no forlorn hope despite wide draw.

Our Diane is an exceed And Excel half-sister to US 5.5f/6f winner Symbionic out of the champion 2-y-o filly in Brazil in 2001. Should be up to winning races, but this a tall order for a debutante from high draw.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Baileys Jubilee
2. Judy in Disguise
3. Jadanna

Timeform View: Baileys Jubilee is much better than she showed when behind a pair of these at York, and is taken to bounce back. Biggest danger is Judy In Disguise who has the inside draw, while Jadanna's debut form has worked out well, and she's not underestimated.

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Askaud won fillies' handicaps at Goodwood and Haydock last summer. Respectable sixth in the Lincoln on return, but poor runs at Epsom and Newmarket since raise doubts about her current well-being.

Dubai Dynamo won this contest last year having finished second over C&D at previous week's meeting. This time round he arrives on the back of a win at that fixture, and he will be a tough nut to crack again.

Extraterrestial is a hold-up performer who got back on the scoresheet in a 1m handicap at Thirsk last May. Generally consistent since, given a lot to do when a creditable sixth in Thirsk Hunt Cup last time.

Emilio Largo made up into useful performer last summer, completing hat-trick in 7f Sandown handicap in July. Shaped well when fifth in Spring Cup on return, and best to overlook a flop on AW bow last time.

City of the Kings has a good record here, gaining third course win in a 9.8f handicap last June. Run poorly on all 3 starts since, leaving Geoff Harker before final 2011 start. Cheekpieces left off again.

Toto Skyllachy is not easy to catch right but has quickly found his form this year, winning 8.5f handicap a Beverley before a good second over same C&D last time. Bit more to find to defy handicapper now.

Snow Bay finished behind Dubai Dynamo when placed in pair of C&D handicaps last May. Not been at best for a while, but slipped to a tempting mark, and showed up well for a long way at Musselburgh last time.

Just Bond won over 8.5f at Beverley last May, and has returned to form on last couple of outings, finishing well when fifth of 17 at Redcar last time. Capable of going well if continuing in similar vein.

Merchant of Dubai won over 1m at Kempton last May for William Muir, and not disgraced when sixth of 20 in apprentice race at York on debut for new yard on Saturday. Chances if this doesn't come too soon.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Dubai Dynamo
2. Emilio Largo
3. Snow Bay

Timeform View: Last year's winner Dubai Dynamo arrives here on the back of an impressive C&D win and looks the pick, with Emilio Largo expected to throw down the biggest challenge, although Snow Bay also makes some appeal at likely odds having slipped in the weights.

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Elnawin was better than ever when winning at Ascot/Salisbury around this time last year. Not knocked about when 11 lengths ninth in Duke of York Stakes at York on return and respected dropping down in grade.

Genki is a smart performer. Won at Listed and Group 3 level last year. Reappearance in 6f listed event at Newmarket best excused (race not run to suit) and will be shaper here, so warrants plenty of respect

Imperial Guest won 6f handicap at Ascot last year and a creditable eighth on return in Victoria Cup (7f) there last time. Drop in trip should suit but plenty to find stepping up in class. Blinkers fitted.

Markab is a front runner who won Haydock Sprint Cup among 3 wins in 2010. Generally not in same form in handful of starts last year, but creditable fourth in minor event at Haydock last time. Can't be ruled out.

Medicean Man was in the form of his life when winning 5f Ascot handicaps (2) last summer. Below form on 3 starts so far this term, finishing fifth (Markab fourth) at Haydock latest. Blinkers need to spark revival.

Angels Will Fall was a debut winner here before following up in Group 3 in July. Produced her best when third in Group 1 at Newmarket in October (settled better than normal). Receives plenty of weight on reappearance.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Genki
2. Angels Will Fall
3. Elnawin

Timeform View: Genki will be sharper for his Newmarket effort last time and gets the narrow vote. Angels Will Fall won her maiden here and held her own in pattern company after and is a big danger. Elnawin is next best.

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Expense Claim improved on respectable 2-y-o efforts to win first 3 starts this year stepped up to this sort of trip, including in handicaps last 2 starts, and worthy of this step up in grade.

Jungle Beat justified market strength on debut when winning warm 7f Newbury maiden. Shaped well on return in 9f Newmarket listed race (denied clear run) and has plenty more to offer up in trip.

Michelangelo is a 550,000 gns son of Galileo who showed plenty of promise despite being thrown into deep end when close third of 5 in listed race at Newmarket on debut 3 weeks ago. Open to plenty of improvement.

Perennial made winning debut at Doncaster in September and stayed on well to take second in Group 3 company on sole other start last term. Disappointed on return but too early to write off. Likely to stay.

Polydamos shaped with promise on Sandown debut in June but found Chesham at Royal Ascot all too much later that month. Disappointing since, and makes no appeal in this company. Headgear fitted.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Jungle Beat
2. Michelangelo
3. Expense Claim

Timeform View: John Gosden saddles 2 of the 5 runners and they make the most appeal, with Jungle Beat getting the vote over Michelangelo.

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Nayarra got off mark in style when taking Italian Group 1 on final run at 2 yrs. Close second in Nell Gywn on return before mid-field in 1000 Guiness. Sets standard but vulnerable under penalty up in trip.

Coquet is from an excellent female line and quickly progressed to a useful level last term, taking 1m listed race at Newmarket on final run. Step up in trip will suit and has more to come this year.

Estrela is a half-sister to several winners, notably smart King of Argos. Won Newbury maiden at 2 yrs and creditable third in Oaks Trial at Lingfield on return, shaping as if this drop in trip will suit.

Gathering is a smartly-bred filly who confirmed debut promise when readily landing 1m maiden at Newmarket in September. Likely to stay this far but bit of a concern that she's fitted with headgear on this return.

Minidress made winning debut at Newmarket in August before good fourth in Group 3 there following month. Looked ready for step up to this sort of trip in Nell Gynn on return and better expected now.

Zaina improved on placed efforts in AW maidens when winning 1¼m event at Doncaster in March. That form has been working out well and this Ribblesdale entry is still unexposed.

Zimira is out of a half-sister to Barathea and Gossamer and made winning start in 1m maiden at Lingfield in November. Still green when fifth in Oaks Trial there on return but big improvement required.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Minidress
2. Coquet
3. Zaina

Timeform View: None of the 7 can be ruled out with total confidence but preference is for Minidress, who is likely to appreciate this extra distance the most. Coquet could emerge as the chief threat despite her penalty.

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Peachey Moment was progressive over fences last year, completing a hat-trick at Perth (2½m) in June. Good second on next start and excuses on 2 subsequent outings. Couldn't discount if wound up for return.

Carrietau is a bold-jumping front runner who returned to winning ways at Musselburgh (2m) in November. Creditable placed efforts at up to 2½m on last 3 starts, including over C&D, and can go well once more.

Kent Street showed fair form in novice hurdles last season, including when winning 15-runner novice at Newcastle. Well backed on chasing debut but saddle slipped after bad mistake at the second. Can do better.

Alpha One showed promise on first 2 chase starts at Catterick, and bounced back to form with an improved round of jumping to score there in March. Below form here last time and not the most predictable.

Karingreason is a big mare who posted a career best when winning 2m handicap chase at Catterick in December. Back to that sort of form when runner-up the last twice, including over C&D last time. Place contender.

Border Reiver's 4 career wins have all been gained at Wetherby and back to form at that track when last seen in March. Suspicion he will find a few too strong here though.

Pen Gwen was placed 4 times in hunters in 2010, but below par all 4 tries over the smaller obstacles last term, failing to settle when fourth at Hexham in March. Easy enough to swerve back over fences.

On Gossamer Wings is a winning pointer who took advantage of drop in weights to score at Catterick (19f) in November. Some respectable efforts since but others more persuasive from 3 lb out of the handicap here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Kent Street
2. Carrietau
3. Karingreason

Timeform View: Kent Street didn't live up to market expectations on his chasing debut but he is worth another chance to show what he can do. Carrietau and Karingreason could prove best of the rest.

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