TimeformBlog

King Dragon shaped well on debut and at Royal Ascot before getting off the mark at Windsor (6f) in July. Creditable effort in conditions event at Ripon since and has shaped as if this trip will suit.

Luhaif improved when running out a 6-length winner of Newmarket maiden (7f) in June and back on the up when third to Olympic Glory in Group 2 Vintage Stakes here, but must bounce back from poor effort since.

Professor was impressive when making a winning debut at Haydock (6f) in July and excuses when odds-on last of 4 in 7f novice event there since. Looks stable's preferred choice here and well worth another chance.

Steeler confirmed debut promise when landing gamble in C&D maiden and better still to chase home Dundonnell in Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York last month. Sets the standard here and the one to beat.

Tamayuz Star is a tamayuz half-brother to smart sprinters Hoh Mike and Hogmaneigh. Made a winning start in 7f Leicester maiden last month and is entitled to progress, though he will need to in this company.

Jillnextdoor has finished runner-up in 3 of her 4 outings and good run when beaten only 4¼ lengths into eighth in Queen Mary at Royal Ascot in the other. Should stay 7f and has place prospects at least.

Sorella Bella has shown gradual progress to make the frame all 6 starts in maidens, clear of remainder when runner-up at Newmarket (7f) last month. Surprising if she's to break her duck in this company, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Professor
2. Steeler
3. Jillnextdoor

Timeform View: Steeler ran a blinder in a York Group 3 at this trip recently, but shapes as more of a stayer and it might be worth forgiving Professor his latest effort in a race that wasn't run to suit. He can provide the red-hot Hannon/Hughes team with another success, with the consistent maiden Jillnextdoor also worth considering.

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Bouncy Bouncy has been hit and miss since regaining winning thread at Yarmouth (5f) in April, though does go well with cut in the ground and was runner-up off this mark in July so a player if on a going day.

Night Trade won at Wolverhampton in February and back on the scoreboard over C&D in July. Not repeated that form in 3 starts since, however.

Fillionaire made winning debut last October and third in Newbury listed event later that month. Not gone on from that this year, though bit more promise when third of 6 over this trip at Goodwood last time.

Supreme Spirit won twice in 2011, including over C&D in mud. Only run twice so far this season, though better than result last time (not clear run) and yard going bit better all of a sudden. Blinkers back on.

Bella Ophelia was a big improver on fibresand early in year and proved she's as good on turf when second at Newmarket in June. Not repeated that in 3 starts since, though has had excuses on couple of occasions.

Blackdown Fair won Salisbury maiden at 2 yrs. Ran up to best when fourth in 6f AW handicap on return after 14 months off, but below that level at Windsor since and needs to bounce back.

Shes Rosie has gained both her wins gained at Chepstow, keeping on well when getting back on scoreboard over 7f in July. Well held upped to 1m since and now drops back in trip.

Sparking was better than ever when scoring in mud at Hamilton (6f) in July. Drying ground possibly against her when below par over C&D last time and better expected back under more suitable conditions.

Iced Opal improved as 2011 went on, signing off with third in 6f Haydock nursery. Yet to find the frame this season, but wasn't disgraced at Bath last time, and won't need to step up much to figure here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Supreme Spirit
2. Sparking
3. Bouncy Bouncy

Timeform Verdict: Supreme Spirit was better than the result last time and is worth chancing in refitted blinkers (both wins gained in them) with the Makin team back among the winners. Sparking is also of interest with conditions to suit, while Bouncy Bouncy won't be far away if anywhere near her best.

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Rocktherunway took advantage of a simple task when finally getting off the mark in Newcastle maiden in May but followed that up by landing competitive 1½m Musselburgh handicap. Good second at Haydock last time and couldn't discount.

Kiwayu left his 2-y-o form behind upped in trip, tongue tied and switched to handicaps when routing rivals at Lingfield last month. That form has worked out and he can defy 12 lb rise.

Trend Is My Friend is another who improved for switch to handicaps when outstaying rivals at Sandown (1¼m) in July. Well held upped to this trip at Goodwood last time though and others make more appeal.

Little Dutch Girl landed a gamble on debut at Chepstow (1m, soft) last August and gained first success this year when scoring at Ffos Las last time (hung and hampered placed horses). More needed off new mark

Cape Savannah opened his account at Wolverhampton in February. Resumed progress when runner-up over 1¾m at that venue recently, but below par sole try on turf at Newmarket in June

Scarlet Whispers improved to win twice in midsummer but was seen to best effect. Found out off this mark at Ripon last time and fitting of cheekpieces needs to bring about some improvement.

Varnish is steadily progressive, winning 1¼m maiden here on return before twice runner-up at Newbury in June/July. Ran lacklustre race at Brighton last time but better than that.

Emerald Invader is a half-brother to the useful Ouster, and much better for debut when beating Headline News by nose in 11f maiden at Kempton 3 months later. Needs to improve again but expected to do so.

Mizbah won a 7f Folkestone maiden at 2 yrs and back to best when placed in 1½m handicaps on last 3 starts. Hasn't looked entirely straightforward, however, and may have to make do with another minor placing.

Marmas was green both starts in 1¼m maidens at Lingfield in February. Unsuited by the drop to 1m the following month and this should prove more to his liking back from a 6-month break.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Kiwayu
2. Rocktherunway
3. Mizbah

Timeform View: Kiwayu remains open to plenty of improvement over middle distances and can overcome his chunky hike in the weights. Rocktherunway and Mizbah may prove best of the rest.

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Henry Clay continued his gradual improvement when digging deep for third win at Warwick (11f) recently. May yet have more to offer under his penalty, but worryingly below par only previous try in the mud.

I'm Super Too's 4 wins have been gained here, including this race last year. Back on track when dead heating for second over this C&D in July and no surprise if he bounced back from a rare blip last time.

El Bravo won a 1½m maiden at Wolverhampton in 2009 for Gary Moore. Failed to add to tally in France last year and passed over following low-key start to life with this yard at Southwell recently.

Another For Joe was much improved when making all in 9f minor event here in June. Narrowly found one too good 2 of 3 starts in handicaps since and very much of interest having proven himself in testing conditions.

She's a Character's 3 wins have been gained at Doncaster, latest one on reappearance in April (1m). Got a bit closer to that form when second here in June, but well held last twice and yet to prove she stays this far.

Le Chat D'or has improved in a tongue tie this term, winning for second time in the mud at Newcastle (1m) in June. Not disgraced when making the frame last twice, and entitled to consideration again.

Jordaura resumed winning ways off reduced mark on AW at Lingfield (1¼m) in July. Not at best since, leaving Gay Kelleway following modest run in a seller recently. Engaged 4.00 Carlisle Wednesday.

Joshua The First was back on the up when scoring at Musselburgh (7f) in April. Things gradually gone downhill since, failing to beat a rival in the mud over C&D in July and not difficult to look elsewhere.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Another For Joe
2. I'm Super Too
3. Henry Clay

Timeform View: Henry Clay has yet to prove himself under testing conditions and looks vulnerable under his penalty, leaving the way open for C&D winner Another For Joe, who improved again when edged out at Doncaster last time and he gets the nod ahead of last year's winner I'm Super Too.

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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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Master Of Arts was still useful when last seen on the Flat back in September. Well beaten in Imperial Cup at Sandown (for David Pipe) in March but no shock if he fares better on this return to the Flat.

Voodoo Prince is a lightly-raced gelding who had pretty useful form to his name last season. Probably needed run on 1m reappearance last month and better expected back up in trip. Still unexposed.

Demolition won twice in 2011, producing career best when landing 1¼m Nottingham handicap on first start back with this yard in October. Returned to form over C&D last time but draw could have been kinder here.

Lady Chaparral has been dropped in trip to good effect for new stable, winning 2 of her last 3 runs (both over 1m at Carlisle). Only another 2 lb higher here and should be competitive back up in trip.

Barren Brook was a creditable fifth in Lincoln on return, and stamina stretched over 10.4f at York in May. Not at best since, but becoming well handicapped, and going to pop up at some stage soon

Kay Gee Be is still a fair performer and has made the most of a drop in grade to win claimers at Doncaster and Carlisle this summer. More on his plate in handicaps, though, and latest fourth only a fair effort.

Full Speed is a strong gelding who was well backed to win 1½m handicap at Newmarket when last seen just over a year ago. Since left Alan Swinbank but has won after a long absence in the past.

Anjaz is an impeccably-bred filly who was unbeaten as a juvenile (form has worked out well). Well held on return at York but more encouragement last time and drop back to this trip a plus. Respected.

Destiny Blue is a three-time Flat winner at up to 1¼m for Jamie Osborne. Disappointing over hurdles for connections and remains to be seen if return to the Flat sparks him back to life.

Desert Romance has been hit and miss since last win at Newcastle (1¼m) in April 2011. A few respectable efforts of late but unable to justify strong support at Pontefract last time.

Watts Up Son was enterprisingly ridden to get back to winning ways at Carlisle (9f) in June, and again seen to best effect when second at Ayr last time. Creeping up the weights and others more persuasive.

Jonny Lesters Hair is a tough front-running handicapper who has made the frame on 5 occasions this year, but not really threatening to strike despite a sliding mark, and may find 1 or 2 to beat him again.

Merchant of Medici's best run this year came when chasing home in-form Kalk Bay at Beverley last time. Does need things to go his way but clearly back in form and is on a handy mark at the moment.

Just Fabulous was the winner of a maiden and a minor event (both over 7f) both starts in 2011. Patchy form in handicaps this term, however, and likely to find this too competitive.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Barren Brook
2. Lady Chaparral
3. Anjaz

Timeform View: Barren Brook is becoming well handicapped and he could be worth chancing here. Lady Chaparral and Anjaz are others to consider in a competitive event.

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Bated Breath emerged successful in Temple Stakes at Sandown on reappearance and beaten by only ¾ length in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot last time. Belated Group 1 success awaits here with conditions to suit.

Confessional stepped up on 5f handicap win at Chester in May when third in a Group 3 in July. Back-to-form fourth behind Ortensia 3 weeks ago having been below form here previously, but this requires more.

Dandy Boy's poor effort in July Cup easily excused (heavy ground) and best judged on his win in the Wokingham prior to that. Not short of speed but in at deep end on first attempt at 5f.

Hamish McGonagall is a smart performer who has got better with age, responding well when landing C&D listed event last month. Possibly unsuited by undulations at Goodwood latest, but others have stronger claims.

Humidor progressed well last year, highlight being listed success at Doncaster in September. Arrested slide in fortunes this term when sixth at Goodwood latest, but seen to maximum effect there.

Kingsgate Native was the last 2-y-o to win the Nunthorpe (in 2007) and fourth last year. Now has almost 12-month absence to overcome, during which time he has moved from Sir Michael Stoute to Robert Cowell.

Masamah made a slow start this term but gradually returning to form which saw him win at Group 2 level in 2011, third to Ortensia at Goodwood before runner-up in Nottingham minor event.

Monsieur Joe without a win in Britain since successful in handicap over C&D at this fixture 2 years ago, and that situation unlikely to change here despite taking listed event at Deauville on latest start.

Nocturnal Affair was a useful in South Africa and won the Portland in Britain last year. Further improvement at Meydan this season when landing a handicap in February, but that form still short of what's required here.

Secret Witness ran well in handicaps on consecutive days here in May, winning over 6f on first occasion. Generally peformed with credit in handicaps since, but this an entirely different proposition.

Sole Power won this race in 2010. Just denied by Bated Breath in Temple Stakes in May, and length behind same horse when third (did best of those held up) in King's Stand latest. One for the shortlist.

Spirit Quartz has plenty of smart performances to his name this term, including when second to Ortensia at Goodwood latest. Yet to get head in front, however, and that unlikely to change in this field.

Tangerine Trees Has looked a shadow of the horse who won the Prix de L'Abbaye de Longchamp last October in his 3 runs this season, only eighth behind Ortensia at Goodwood last time.

Tiddliwinks took the Duke of York Stakes here and the Greenlands Stakes (both 6f) at the Curragh in May. Possibly unsuited by soft ground when below best there last time but this requires even more.

Bogart won 3 times as a juvenile, and put up a smart effort to finish fourth in the Duke of York Stakes here in May. Below form since, however, and easy enough to look elsewhere.

Pearl Secret proved unbeaten in 4 starts (all at around 5f, including 2 here), landing odds in listed event at Sandown latest. This obviously a step up in class but more than capable of making presence felt.

Beyond Desire looks suited by 5f nowadays and took form to another level when winning Prix de Saint-Georges (by short head from Monsieur Joe) at Longchamp in May. Well below that in 2 starts since, however.

Invincible Ash landed 5f Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh in 2011, and got her head in front in a well-contested Dubai event in March. Not at best since, though soft ground probably against her last time.

Ortensia is a smart Australian mare who won Al Quoz Sprint (by 1¼ lengths from Sole Power) in March and Group 2 at Goodwood (beat Spirit Quartz) at start of this month. Another bold bid expected.

Angels Will Fall built on free-going Windsor return when narrowly landing a 5f listed race at Ayr in June. Creditable 2 lengths fifth to Ortensia at Goodwood, despite hanging left, but this clearly demands more.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Bated Breath
2. Ortensia
3. Sole Power

Timeform View: A cracking renewal of the Nunthorpe with Bated Breath fancied to gain a much-warranted first Group 1 success. Recent Goodwood scorer Ortensia, 2010 winner Sole Power and the highly promising Pearl Secret head the dangers.

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Bible Belt quickly made up into a smart filly last year, winning first 3 starts, and better for return when third in Group 3 at Leopardstown 2 weeks ago. More required back up in grade, though.

Shareta is one of the leading middle-distance fillies in France, runner-up in last year's Arc and placed all 3 starts this term, including when second of 4 to Meandre in Group 1 at Saint-Cloud last time.

Wild Coco is unexposed after just 6 career starts, and made a successful return from an absence of nearly a year when winning the Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood. A concern that this may come too soon.

Coquet quickly progressed to a useful level last term and has continued improvement in 2 runs this year, defying penalty at Goodwood before an unluckly in-running sixth in the Oaks. Not dismissed.

Shirocco Star has improved massively this year, finishing an excellent neck second to Was in Oaks before creditable placed efforts in Ribblesdale and Irish Oaks. Sure to give her running again

The Fugue is a smart filly who built on Guineas fourth when landing Musidora here 10 days later. Unlucky when third in Oaks and most impressive when winning Nassau at Goodwood recently. The one to beat.

Was showed marked improvement when landing the Oaks at Epsom, proving a neck too strong for Shirocco Star. Ground/trip against her in Irish Oaks/Nassau next 2 starts and big run can be expected from her now.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. The Fugue
2. Shareta
3. Was

Timeform View: Three-year-olds have often held the upper hand in this and The Fugue can enhance that record after her impressive display at Glorious Goodwood earlier this month. Was can be expected to make more of a race of it this time, while French raider Shareta looks the pick of the older brigade.

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Thomas Chippendale is most progressive, taking form up another notch with defeat of Noble Mission and Thought Worthy in King Edward at Royal Ascot last time. Has to concede 3 lb all round here but capable of better still.

Encke is a well-bred sort who has done very little wrong in 4 starts so far, only narrowly defeated by Noble Mission on Group-race debut at Goodwood last time. Another good run on the cards.

Energizer stepped up on previous efforts when landing 1¼m Group 3 at Royal Ascot in June. Snapped up by Godolphin and supplemented for this race since, but will need to improve for longer trip to take this.

Main Sequence won his first 4 starts, notably Lingfield Derby Trial, and went on to finish second to Camelot in the Derby. Didn't have run of race (not clear run) when fourth in Longchamp Group 1 latest. The one to beat.

Noble Mission is a brother to Frankel and is a smart colt in own right, second to Thomas Chippendale at Royal Ascot before edging out Encke in Goodwood Group 3. Interestingly, hood now left off for first time since debut.

Thought Worthy is a brother to St Leger hero Lucarno and quickly made up into smart performer. Behind some of today's rivals in Derby and King Edward last 2 starts, though, and may find odd one too good again.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Main Sequence
2. Encke
3. Energizer

Timeform Verdict: Main Sequence sets the standard on his second to Camelot in the Derby and he can capitalise on the drop in grade. The Godolphin-owned pair of Encke and Energizer can provide the stiffest resistance.

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Starting at Yarmouth, where Blue Dune could benefit from the drop down to sprint distances as she makes her handicap debut in the Pleasurewood Hills Maiden Handicap at 14:35. The daughter of Invincible Spirit stepped up on her previous efforts when upped to an extended mile at Wolverhampton two weeks ago. Improvement is almost assured now she tackles this discipline and the drop to six furlongs should work in her favour. She makes plenty of appeal for a yard who are still in very good form.

At Brighton, Little Rainbow makes most appeal in the seven-furlong handicap at 14:45. The three-year-old daughter of King's Best looked much more at home at this trip when decisively landing a C&D fillies' handicap 13 days ago on good to soft ground. A 4 lb rise in the weights shouldn't be enough to prevent her following up here. The quicker underfoot conditions should also be fine.

There's a twilight card at Warwick and Cactus Valley has the profile of a progressive sort, and can land the eleven-furlong handicap at 19:30. He continued his gradual progression when scoring on his second attempt in handicaps at Sandown last time, on good to firm. That was over a furlong shorter and Roger Charlton's three-year-old shouldn't have a problem handling this step back up in trip, providing he settles better. He also has form on an easy surface.

Back Blue Dune @ 7.4 in the 14:35 at Yarmouth.
Back Little Rainbow @ 2.82 in the 14:45 at Brighton.
Back Cactus Valley @ 2.8 in the 19:30 at Warwick.

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