TimeformBlog

Eluding showed similar form when placed in 3 maidens in October/November, beaten at odds-on at Wolverhampton when last seen. Not impossibly treated on handicap debut and step up in trip should suit.

Dulkashe was a €120,000 yearling who put in an eye-catching effort on introduction at Salisbury (7f) in September. Improved on both subsequent runs and any further progress for longer trip will see her go close.

Corsetry is a half-sister to Oaks winner Light Shift and Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Shiva. Definite signs of ability in maidens but hasn't been let in lightly on handicap debut. May still improve, though.

Rhythmic landed a 1m Doncaster maiden on second start for Godolphin at 2 yrs. Respectable effort on return/debut for new yard on AW at Lingfield in February, but didn't build on it 3 weeks ago.

Petaluma improved on her debut effort at Newbury last July when fourth of 14 in 1m event there on return. Out of her depth in listed event last time and potential for better back at more realistic level.

Al Jabreiah has won 2 of 4 starts to date, taking form up another notch when staying on well to land 8.6f Wolverhampton handicap last month. This longer trip promises to suit (dam won over 1½m) and more to come.

Shannon Spree left her maiden form behind when switched to nurseries last year, winning at Kempton in August. Ran respectable race at Salisbury on reappearance but looks in the handicapper's grip for now.

Findeln shaped as if in need of the experience in 2 AW maidens in March. Better effort on turf debut last time but looks on a tough enough mark now switched to handicaps.

Symphony Star showed promise in 7f maiden at Newmarket on debut, but unable to build on that with her sights set on bigger prizes afterwards. Well backed on seasonal reappearance but failed to improve. Trip a concern.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Al Jabreiah
2. Eluding
3. Dulkashe

Timeform View: Eluding and Dulkashe are both interesting handicap debutantes, but Al Jabreiah won well at Wolverhampton last month and should have even more improvement in her at this trip.

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Lord Buffhead sets the standard in the second of three six-furlong handicaps at Wolverhampton after his win in soft ground at Musselburgh last time, but with the suspicion he is best under such conditions he's taken on with Michael Bell's Kai (16:00). Kai was well backed when making his first start in a handicap over the minimum trip at the track a month ago but found the trip inadequate, finishing with running left in a fourth-placed effort that was not without promise. If heavy ground was the reason for his flop at Yarmouth (never travelling) next time he's interesting in the hands of top all-weather rider Luke Morris from a low draw and with a visor on for the first time.

Silvestre de Sousa's confidence must be high having ridden five winners in the last four days and he can add to his tally aboard the well-handicapped Sharp Shoes (16:30) in the third sprint handicap at Dunstall Park. Having been in the doldrums somewhat, Sharp Shoes bounced back to form when fourth in an apprentice event at Hamilton (twice a winner there) last time and, with him also having won at today's course, albeit over the minimum trip, it's hoped he can continue in form. Sharp Shoes has won three handicaps off BHA marks higher than the one he gets to race off now and, with the Brazilian has already won on the horse from just a handful of rides, a big run can be anticipated.

The fact that her sire won top-end Group races at up to a mile and half and her dam was placed in the Irish Oaks means Lady Kashaan looks very intriguing stepping up to ten furlongs for the first time in the handicap at Redcar due off at 17:10. Lady Kashaan hadn't shown much in three maidens but stepped up significantly on her handicap debut when third over a mile at Newcastle a month ago, beaten just over two lengths by Kian's Joy having raced prominently before staying on. The Alan Swinbank yard are amongst the winner and, with Lady Kashaan right in the mix on Timeform figures and the only runner in the field with a 'p' still attached to her master rating, she's very much worth chancing at around 8.2.

Back Kai @ 7.8 in the 16:00 at Wolverhampton
Back Sharp Shoes @ 6.4 in the 16:30 at Wolverhampton
Back Lady Kashaan @ 8.2 in the 17:10 at Redcar

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Nosedive won at Newmarket in 2010 for Richard Guest, and not disgraced in listed company afterwards. Spark missing after a long absence for new yard at Chester recently, but bound to be sharper this time.

Azzurra Du Caprio added a couple more sprint handicaps to her tally at Doncaster in 2011. Below par when signing off in September, but dangerous to discount having won first-time out last year.

Master Rooney has enjoyed a mixed bag since regaining winning thread at Beverley (5f) in July. Low key start to new camapign at that venue last month, though, and remains vulnerable to better treated rivals.

Another Wise Kid enjoyed fine 2011, winning on 4 occasions, last one coming at Ripon (5f) in September. Shaped as if last month's reappearance would bring him on, and not dismissed if resuming progress.

Noodles Blue Boy was twice successful over 5f in 2010, and took advantage of drop in the weights when scoring at Thirsk on recent reappearance. Only sixth at Thirsk on Saturday, though.

Captain Scooby resumed winning ways at Kempton (6f) in February. Back on track after a few lesser efforts when a fast-finishing sixth at Doncaster (5f) last month and not ruled out here.

Bedloe's Island was better than ever last year, winning over this C&D. Every bit as good both both comeback runs this year, doing well from out of the weights 4 days ago and claims racing off her correct mark now.

Electric Qatar ultimately failed to live up to home reputation at 2 yrs. Plummeting in the weights after making little impact in handicaps this time round, but plenty to prove all the same.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Another Wise Kid
2. Captain Scooby
3. Bedloe's Island

Timeform View: Competitive stuff, despite the relatively small field. Another Wise Kid enjoyed a most productive 2011 and is a hopeful choice to resume his progress after shaping as though the run would bring him on at Doncaster last month. Captain Scooby and Bedloe's Island may be the best alternatives.

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Be Fabulous was a late bloomer for Andre Fabre, winning minor/listed event before signing off with success in Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp. Penalty to carry but no surprise if she has even more to offer this term.

Arctic Cosmos is the 2010 St Leger winner who showed he retains ability when taking 1¼m listed race at Kempton on return. Shaped as if amiss on soft going next time but expected to bounce back with ground drying out.

Blue Bajan was better than ever for this stable last season, second in this race before landing Henry II Stakes at Sandown. Solid return when fourth at Nottingham, and trip inadequate next time. Each-way claims.

Electrolyser had run of things when winning listed event at Nottingham in April, but generally struggled in pattern company last term, and similar story this year in Dubai and at Kempton last time.

Glen's Diamond won first 2 starts last term, including Dee Stakes at Chester. Back to form at up to 1¾m in Dubai this year, and excuses for latest defeat at Chester. Big improvement required in this, though.

Harris Tweed is a smart performer who ran right up to very best when winning Group 3 at Newbury on return last month. Conditions ideal and big run expected.

Red Cadeaux took a step forward when hammering rivals in Curragh Group 3 (1¾m) in June, and similar level of form when placed in Melbourne Cup/Hong Kong Vase and Sagaro on return. Leading player.

Times Up continued on the up last year, readily winning listed races over C&D and Newmarket. Not disgraced in Group 3 at Ascot on final start and worth another try in pattern company.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Harris Tweed
2. Red Cadeaux
3. Times Up

Timeform View: A competitive Group 2 in which most can be given a chance. Harris Tweed won his first Group race at Newbury on his recent return and can follow up back over a trip that could well be his optimum. Red Cadeaux looks a solid alternative, while Times Up also rates as a big threat.

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Bonfire is a half-brother to Musidora winner Joviality, and looks a high-class colt himself, winning on debut before third, unlucky not to push French Fifteen closer, in French Group 1 in October. Big player.

Dream Tune cost €300,000 as a yearling and is from good family. Better than bare form of debut sixth at Newbury in October (1m) and improved when runner-up to Noble Mission (won since) on return. Lot more needed, though.

Ektihaam was most impressive when winning first 2 starts last year and can't have been right when disappointing in Dewhurst on final start. Won 1¼m minor event at Newbury on return, and needs considering.

Ernest Hemingway is bred to be smart, and could hardly have been more impressive when slamming rivals by 10 lengths in 10-runner Dundalk maiden (1¼m) on debut last month. Open to significant improvement.

Fencing was a ready winner of Newbury listed event on second start at 2 yrs. Creditable efforts behind Camelot in Racing Post Trophy (third) in October and 2000 Guineas (sixth) on return, and 1¼m should suit.

Mandaean won both starts when trained by Andre Fabre in France at 2 yrs, most recently in Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1¼m) in November. Sure to improve further this year and much respected.

Ptolemaic has improved since being fitted with visor, runner-up in Pontefract listed race in October. Fourth in Craven on return and improved seventh in 2000 Guineas latest. Lacks potential of rivals, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Bonfire
2. Mandaean
3. Ernest Hemingway

Timeform Verdict: Bonfire created a big impression when third behind subsequent 2000 Guineas runner-up French Fifteen in a Group 1 in France on just his second career start last year, and he can confirm himself a top prospect for the season ahead by landing this Group 2. Mandaean and Ernest Hemingway are similarly exciting having done nothing wrong themselves, and they are feared most.

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Definightly is a front runner who hit a rich vein of form in 2010. Placed in 3 Group 3's in 2011, and ran right up to best behind Mayson at Newmarket latest (5f). Step back up to 6f will suit, so frame claims.

Doncaster Rover races lazily but pretty consistent again last year, winning 7f listed race at York in August. Big career best needed to land this on reappearance, though, and others likelier.

Elnawin was better than ever when winning at Ascot/Salisbury around this time last year. Not seen since and more needed to take this, however, and Richard Hughes rides stablemate Libranno.

Hoof It was hugely progressive last year, putting up huge performance in Stewards Cup. Not seen to best effect in Nunthorpe (5f) here but bounced back to go down narrowly in Haydock Sprint Cup. The one to beat.

Libranno is a front runner who won a couple of times at Group 3 level last year. Combination of 1m and heavy ground never likely to suit on reappearance and this more suitable, but needs to find more.

Mayson improved last autumn and stepped up again this year, impressive in landing Abernant (6f) and Palace House Stakes (5f) at Newmarket. Return to 6f will suit and leading claims in current mood.

Sirius Prospect made relentless progress last year, winning 5 of last 6 starts, culminating in listed win over Mayson at Doncaster in November. Not in same form in 2 starts this year, but too soon to write off.

Society Rock is a Smart sprinter who won Golden Jubilee 6f) at Ascot last year, having been second in the race the year before. Not in the same form since and can be slowly away, but dangerous if giving running.

Soul was formerly trained in Australia and improved on debut for this yard when landing Meydan handicap in March. Below form on Group 1 on AW there next time, and now has first start in Britain.

The Cheka is a Smart performer who won 7f Haydock Group 3 last May and in good form end of 2011. Career best to land Doncaster Listed race on reappearance, with Mayson in third, but may not confirm that form.

Tiddliwinks ran above himself when placed in this race and Greenlands Stakes last May, and belatedly gained first turf win in minor event at Nottingham in August, but below par on return and more needed.

Bannock produced his best effort at 2 yrs when taking C&D listed event in October. In good heart this year, placed on 3 of 4 starts at 6/7f, though needs to take form to a new level if he's to win here.

Bogart was one of many from this stable to make a winning 2-y-o debut, and put up useful efforts to land valuable prizes here and at Redcar (6f). Below par final 2011 start and this a tough ask on return.

Restiadargent was a smart performer in France at 2 yrs, impressive when winning 6f Group 2 by 5 lengths at Maisons-Laffitte in November. Pulled too hard over 7f on return, but remains unexposed as a sprinter.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Hoof It
2. Mayson
3. Restiadargent

Timeform View: Hoof It enjoyed a fine 2011 and sets the standard on form so, with the possibility of further improvement this year, he's taken to land this contest on his return. Mayson is in fine form at present and looks the biggest danger, while French raider Restiadargent and Society Rock also need considering.

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Main Beach took another step in the right direction when registering third career win over 6f here in November. Not disgraced either start since, but stamina to prove on return from 5 months off.

Shavansky is a slow starter who posted couple of good efforts after taking 1m Chepstow handicap last summer. On a handy mark, but doesn't appear to have returned in much form.

Uppercut showed good battling qualities when narrowly getting the job done in a 1m Leicester handicap in October, but lack of a recent run and stall 14 probably no help on polytrack debut.

Top Diktat was a gradual improvement at 3 yrs, winning for second time when rounding off campaign at Newbury (1m) in October. In top hands and could easily have more to offer in 2012.

Sinfonico was twice successful over 7f in 2011. Ran creditably when twice making frame in eyeshields on polytrack this year, but lesser efforts on turf since and questions to answer now.

My Son Max added to his tally when landing 7f minor event at York for Richard Hannon in June. Hit and miss after, but returns on a fair mark, so not discounted if fit enough to do himself justice for new yard.

Den's Gift has run well all 3 starts this year, but over 2 years since last win over this C&D and another minor role probably the most likely outcome.

Soweto Star was successful in 1m Windsor handicap 13 months ago, but well beaten all 3 subsequent outings in 2011. Something to prove on reappearance, but gelding operation during the winter may help.

Aciano won a 1m Doncaster handicap for Brian Meehan last summer. Shaped as though needing race when folding tamely on recent reappearance, so not discounted if visor has a positive effect.

Dr Red Eye produced an encouraging reappearance when third over this C&D in March, but below par since and remains 5 lb higher than last winning mark.

Rustic Deacon notched up a hat-trick over a 6-month period in 2010/11 (including a win here). Remained competitive off revised mark afterwards, so possible he could get involved if fully tuned up on return.

Orpen'arry was a ready winner of a 7f Salisbury maiden in August. Most encouraging start for new yard when a strong-finishing fourth in a C&D handicap last month and unlikely to be far away if building on that.

Musnad has plenty of fair efforts to his name, finishing best of all after being outpaced over 7f at Doncaster last month. Return to 1m sure to suit and very much of interest this time.

Hail Promenader ended long losing run when scoring at Pontefract (1m) last April for Barry Hills. Well held for Andy Haynes final 2 starts last year and little better for new yard in 2 attempts this time round.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Musnad
2. Orpen'arry
3. Top Diktat

Timeform View: Musnad is very interesting from the foot of the weights after finishing with plenty of running left in him over an inadequate 7f last time and gets the nod over Orpen'Arry and the returning Top Diktat.

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Today's conditions will hold no fears for Chester Aristocrat (14:00) in the opener at Redcar. The Eric Alston-trained gelding has steadily improved with each race as he has stepped up in trip, and, having shown signs of ability in his first three starts in maidens, he began to put it all together at Haydock last time when splitting subsequent winners, Take Two and Warfare, over a mile on his handicap debut. That was on soft ground, highlighting that he should have no problems with today's surface, and he races off a BHA mark only 1 lb higher than for his Haydock effort. The three-year-old steps up another furlong in distance and has to be taken seriously.

Gary Moore's horses having been running respectably of late, recording three wins in the last two weeks, and it is always significant when his son Ryan is booked to ride (18% strike rate in the last five years when teaming up). It may be worth taking a chance on Whinging Willie in the 19:40 at Windsor tonight, over a mile and half a furlong. He had shown enough last term to suggest that he may have races in him, and he's shaped a little better than his form figures sugget in his last two starts on the all-weather, finding himself poorly positioned on the latest occasion. Now freshened up after a break and on a fair mark, this could be an ideal opportunity to gain his first success.

Man of Plenty (20:10) left his two-year-old form behind him when getting off the mark here four weeks ago over ten furlongs. This beautifully bred son of Maduro finished strongly when notching that win, and is almost guaranteed to improve further for the step up in trip on his handicap debut. Rye House is equally progressive, but Man of Plenty has achieved higher ratings to date and is likely to take a good deal of beating.

Timeform SmartPlays
Back Chester Aristocrat @ 3.6 in the 14:00 at Redcar
Back Whinging Willie @ 9.2 in the 19:40 at Windsor
Back Man of Plenty @ 6.0 in the 20:10 at Windsor

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Astrology was impressive on 2-y-o bow and better efforts when third in Group company on next 2 starts despite displaying a degree of temperament. Can do better still if those quirks can be ironed out.

Bonfire is a half-brother to Musidora winner Joviality, and looks a high-class colt himself, beating Cubanita on debut before a good third to French Fifteen in French Group 1 in October. Sets the bar pretty high.

Kingsdesire followed easy AW maiden win with a defeat of 10 rivals in a Doncaster handicap over this trip on reappearance. Form of that race has worked out, and he's well worth his place at this level.

Oxford Charley won a 1m maiden at Salisbury on debut in September, and back on an upward curve when fourth in Feilden Stakes at Newmarket (9f) last month. Better than result there, but this looks too tough.

Prince Alzain was progressive at 2 yrs, winning twice on polytrack, and another good run when second to Talwar in 1m listed event at Lingfield last month. That appears his limit, however, and opposable now.

Uriah Heep is from family of yard's Derby winner North Light, and built on debut form when a good second to Minimise Risk in 11f maiden at Newbury last month. Takes big step up in class, but folly to ignore.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Bonfire
2. Astrology
3. Kinsdesire

Timeform View: Bonfire is the most credible Derby candidate in the field, and should take this on his way to a crack at Epsom. Astrology has his quirks, but is just preferred to Kingsdesire for second.

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Wigmore Hall landed a Grade 1 at Woodbine in September, and hasn't been disgraced in top company this term. No threat behind Cirrus des Aigles in Prix Ganay last time, and possibly best on a sound surface.

Questioning's win in Earl of Sefton at Newmarket has been sandwiched by creditable placed efforts this season, latest in Sandown Group 2. Has form at 1¼m, and drawn on the inside here.

Glen's Diamond won first 2 starts last year, including Dee Stakes over C&D. Back to form at up to 1¾m in Dubai this year, but more needed now reverting to this trip on return to domestic action.

Hunter's Light progressed well last year, winning maiden at Newmarket and listed races at Hamilton, Goodwood and Lingfield. Handles soft ground and has to be respected as he bids to break Group-race duck.

Junoob won twice at up to 1½m at Lingfield since being claimed from Amy Weaver, including listed race in February. Good third in minor event at Doncaster last time, but this is tougher still.

Marcret was steadily progressive in Italy for Steffano Botti last year, winning 3 times, and has run respectably in Dubai this year. Hood fitted for UK debut, and needs to step up if he's to figure.

Prince Siegfriend is a smart performer around 1¼m, winning minor event at Epsom and Group 3 at Windsor last season. Folded tamely on return at Newmarket, and questions to answer after that effort.

St Moritz is a tough front runner, and progressed to win 3 times for current yard in 2011. Back to form when splitting Penitent and Questioning in Doncaster Mile last time, although later demoted for interference.

Myplacelater thrived in 2010, winning 5 times up to 1½m. Better than form figures suggest when mixing it in good company last year, but no impact in a couple of runs for new yard this season.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Questioning
2. Hunter's Light
3. St Moritz

Timeform View: Questioning has run with credit on all starts this year and makes most appeal. Hunter's Light and St Moritz are also considered, although soft ground may prove the undoing of Wigmore Hall.

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