TimeformBlog

Placepot success for Timeform colleague Matt Gardner yesterday gives Paul Goodenough plenty of confidence ahead of his permutation at Windsor this evening...

17:30 - Only eight declared for this apprentice riders event, but a tough conundrum to crack nevertheless. Glass Mountain has been more miss than hit this year, but as a result his mark has dropped to a winnable one and he had one of his going days when last seen at Sandown recently. Lawney Hill's Royal Etiquette had an unfortunate experience on his last visit here four weeks ago, unseating his rider coming out of the stalls, but, on the basis that was a one-off, he warrants inclusion judged on his two good runs (both here) immediately preceeding that.

18:00 - Richard Hannon runs a couple in the 6f maiden for two-year-olds, with his speedily-bred Colmar Kid expected to appreciate dropping back to this trip. Despite running with credit on all three starts so far over an extra furlong, he left the impression any further progress in the short term might come at this shorter distance. Purcell also comes into the mix, looking a maiden winner in-waiting when third behind Derwent at Newbury earlier this month and representing a yard that has been in good nick throughout the summer.

18:30 - Into The Wind ran creditably around this time last year, but remained a maiden until scoring over C&D four weeks ago. He got the better of one of today's rivals King's Masque that day and should confirm placings here. Urban Space must be included too, a five-time previous winner at this venue who drops into selling class despite a couple of good seconds in handicaps here earlier this year.

19:00 - Several in-form fillies contest this handicap, with the lightly-races Burke's Rock high on the shortlist on the back of a good pair of seconds at this trip recently. Despite creeping up the weights, there's probably more to come and cheekpieces are tried for the first time this evening. Perhaps her biggest rival will be Strathnaver, who has shown steadily progressive form in her seven race career so far, just touched off by My Queenie at Goodwood earlier this month.

19:30 - Few, if any, yards are currently in better nick than Clive Cox's and the fact that Tonle Sap ran so well on debut when the stable was in the doldrums suggests there is plenty more to come. Despite the presence of several well-bred rivals representing strong connections, her debut third here behind Keene Dancer (winner again since) looks amongst the strongest on show.

20:00 - The finale sees Ffos Las maiden winner Silken Express stepping into handicap company and she may have been let in very lightly off a mark of 73. Higher up the ratings, O'Gorman has shaped well on his latest two outings, with a change of yard in between not dampening enthusiasm for his chances here. His style of running means he sometimes needs luck in-running, something that was in short supply at Newbury a couple of weeks ago, but this smaller field should make life a little easier this evening.

Selections:
17:30 - 4, 5
18:00 - 2, 8
18:30 - 4, 6
19:00 - 2, 3
19:30 - 8
20:00 - 2, 7
= 32 lines



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Timeform take a look at the listed St Hugh's Stakes over five furlongs at Newbury...

Bridge Night followed up her Lingfield maiden win when landing a minor event at Windsor but well beaten in listed/Group company last 2 starts. Looks vulnerable again.

Excel Yourself got off the mark at fifth attempt when making all in maiden at Wolverhampton last month. Big step up required in this, though.

Jollification built on debut sixth when landing Salisbury maiden. Progressed again for all she was never a threat when fourth of 6 in Group 3 at Ascot next time. May still have more to offer.

Lasilia won maiden at Hamilton and improved again when 4 lengths sixth of 27 in Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. Found only Morawij too strong in listed race at Sandown next time but might have peaked already.

Miss Diva put up her best effort when landing a 5f Windsor maiden on second start. Out of depth next time but creditable placed efforts in minor events next 2 runs. May find others improving past her now.

New Fforest is a half-sister to smart winners Eisteddfod and Border Patrol. Bred to be sharp and promise in 3 runs so far. Beaten by a newcomer last time, however, and hard to see her breaking duck in this.

Rosdhu Queen looked an exciting prospect when comfortably making all in 5f maiden at Ripon last month (form working out very well). Entered for Lowther/Cheveley Park and must be considered.

Sandreamer won on debut at Newmarket, and improved when runner-up in listed/Group 3 next 2 starts, in front of Jollification in latter. That represents the best form on offer but raced only at 6f so far.

Sound of Guns is an Acclamation filly from family of Irish 2000 Guineas winner Shaadi. Left debut run well behind (considerately handled) when smooth winner of Yarmouth maiden last month. Looks a useful prospect.

Three Crowns improved to win 7-runner minor event at Windsor (5f) in early July, mugging Miss Diva. Opening mark too stiff on York nursery bow since but doesn't look up to this level.

Uncomplicated is proving consistent rather than progressive, off the mark at fourth attempt in Yarmouth maiden before third on nursery bow at Sandown late last month. Plenty to find on the book.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Rosdhu Queen
2. Sound of Guns
3. Sandreamer

Timeform Verdict: Rosdhu Queen looked a filly to keep on side when impressing on her debut last month and can take this en route to even better things. Sound of Guns won her maiden in good style and is feared most, ahead of Sandreamer, who arguably has the best form.


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Two bets at Newmarket courtesy of Timeform Radio pundit Terry Norman...


With the weather possibly unsettled through the morning there is every chance that by start time the ground may have changed at Newmarket, with estimate between showers or potential heavy downpours.

But whether the ground stays on the fast side or even if the rain arrives, it won't affect the chance of the improving Sequence (14:40, Newmarket) in the 10 furlong handicap. The daughter of Selkirk made a winning handicap debut at Thirsk, a race since boosted by the victory of the third, Cactus Valley, in a decent handicap at Sandown.

Sequence has numerous blue-blood relations, including Derby winner Sinndar, and the drop back in trip is hardly a concern. She was very green at Thirsk, only her fourth start, and there is a mass of improvement to overcome a 7lb rise. A three-year-old won the inaugural running of the contest and the well-treated Kinloch Castle can pose the most serious threat, with Frankie Dettori an interesting booking.

Richard Fahey is a shrewd handler and it must be noted that he has decided to run Sunny Side Up (16:55, Newmarket) in the five furlong sprint under a 6lb penalty rather than run off a 5lb rise from Saturday.

The selection, who has run over as far as a mile, showed a bundle of speed when disputing from the start before pulling clear on her first start over five furlongs at Pontefract.
Laura Barry, claiming 7lbs, is back on board the daughter of Refuse To Bend (loads of rain would be a negative) and, unusually for a sprint, there is every chance she could get an uncontested lead.

There aren't too many well handicapped horses in the event either and, now connections seemed to have found her ideal trip, Sunny Side Up can continue her upward curve in a slightly better event.


Recommended Bets

Back Sequence @ 3.6 in the 14:40 at Newmarket
Back Sunny Side Up @ 6.2 in the 16:55 at Newmarket


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Today's SmartPlays bring you two selections from Beverley and a visit to Salisbury for their main event...

Attempting a four-timer, Fear Nothing (15:50) will have to overcome his new BHA mark of 73 after his latest win over C&D two weeks ago. On the evidence of his last run, when one and a quarter lengths in front of Indian Trail, that shouldn't be a problem, again under David Bergin and against a similar standard of opposition. Fear Nothing is thriving on his racing, and in a race that may not take all that much winning, should come out on top.

Emirates Queen (16:05) looks set to rule over her listed-class opposition in the best race of the day at Salisbury. Luca Cumani's filly is the least exposed of the group, but has already proved herself in this company when second by a neck to Barefoot Lady at York last time out. Being off the bridle early on in rear highlighted Emirates Queen's inexperience on that occasion but she stayed on well to lead in the final furlong before being headed close home and perhaps worried out of it. She will only have learnt from that performance though and this half-sister to Dubawi should improve again to land her first listed race at only the second time of asking.

Back at Beverley, Aliante (17:25) is given another chance to break her maiden after posting her best ever performance in a first-time visor at Yarmouth last time out. Not a staightforward filly, she wandered when put under pressure at first but kept on to finish two lengths second behind Authora. Off the same, tempting mark today, this filly needs everything to fall right for her and there couldn't be a better opportunity for that than today, with the yard still flying and at a track where the combination of Mark Johnston and Silvestre de Sousa do particularly well.


Timeform SmartPlays

Back Fear Nothing @ 3.35 in the 15:50 at Beverley
Back Emirates Queen @ 1.66 in the 16:05 at Salisbury
Back Aliante @ 4.1 in the 17:25 at Beverley




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Today's SmartPlays come from this evening's meetings at Nottingham and Yarmouth. Let's hope they are worth the wait...


Dannios is making a name for himself as somewhat of a Yarmouth course-specialist and he can stretch his unbeaten run at the track to five wins (17:35). Something about the seaside air must inspire Ed Walker's gelding, who had finished last season in poor form, having been asked to race at venues away from Yarmouth, but he managed to defy a ten-month absence when making his seasonal reappearance here last week. Dannios deserves credit for managing to win, having allowed his rival to gain first run, and the fact he reappears without a penalty, due to last week's contest being an apprentices' event, makes him of obvious interest here.

Staying at Yarmouth, our next SmartPlay comes in the form of Michael Bell's recent all-weather winner Exceedexpectations (18:35). Despite having displayed some promise in maidens, his latest effort signalled a significant improvement on anything he had achieved to date and a 6lb penalty should not be enough to stop him, such was the authority of the win. The manner in which he travelled through the race caught the eye and, despite hanging right in the closing stages, he appeared to have plenty in hand as they crossed the line. Provided he can transfer that polytrack form to turf, Exceedexpectations should take plenty of beating.

The drop back to the minimum distance should suit Selfara (Nottingham 20:20) and enable her to get off the mark. Roger Charlton's filly enters this contest in good form, having produced her best effort yet when second at Ffos Las last time out, shaping as if there was still more to come. That effort came over six furlongs and Selfara, wearing first-time blinkers, possibly did too much too soon, tiring close home having looked the likely winner at one stage. The pace she showed on that occasion suggests that dropping back to five furlongs could prove to be ideal and, if the blinkers have the same impact this time, she could prove to be a formidable opponent. The application of a tongue-tie for today's contest could also see Selfara improve the necessary amount to prove victorious.

Timeform SmartPlays
Back Dannios @ 2.9 in the 17.35 at Yarmouth
Back Exceedexpectations @ 2.35 in the 18:35 at Yarmouth
Back Selfara @ 3.02 in the 20:20 at Nottingham


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Timeform's Irish team have suggested three selections from a mixed card at Ballinrobe this evening...


Seventh Sign (17:25) didn't pull up any trees for William Haggas last year, but was lit up when current connections popped a pair of blinkers on him at Sligo over twelve furlongs last week, looking a different animal when romping home by 11 lengths. The extra two furlongs here shouldn't inconvenience and he looks likely to follow up here with just a 5 lb penalty for that success, provided the headgear has the same effect.

Massini's Trap (18:00) showed more than enough spark when chasing home Unanimous in a one-mile Leopardstown maiden on debut last month and though the form of that race has taken a few knocks since, he still sets the standard here, with the extra furlong likely to be a bonus for this stoutly-bred gelding.

Tobar Na Gaoise (19:30) may be the answer to a tricky-looking eight-runner handicap hurdle over two miles, on the basis that ex-Jim Bolger gelding starts life in handicaps over timber off a lenient mark. Useful on the Flat, he's another who felt the benefit of headgear last time when behind Special Tiara at Kilbeggan and though he hasn't fully convinced with his hurdling so far, seemend to be getting the hang of things there.


Timeform Irish SmartPlays
All at Ballinrobe

Back Seventh Sign in the 17:25
Back Massini's Trap in the 18:00
Back Tobar Na Gaoise in the 19:30


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We look to the evening meetings at Haydock and Newmarket for today's SmartPlays...

In the six-furlong nursery at Haydock, scheduled for 18:55, we have a potential handicap blot that may come with some risks attached, but those are more than allowed for at current odds. Until yesterday, you might have had doubts over the value of Tussie Mussie's win in a Southwell maiden last time, herself and the seemingly much-improved Relight My Fire pulling a long way clear of the rest. The runner-up did belatedly confirm that improvement (again on fibresand) when finishing second in another maiden on Thursday, so an initial BHA mark of 65 can be said to be generous to Tussie Mussie. The doubt comes from the fact that she's yet to show anything like that level on turf, but when you consider that her brother Lovelace was best on turf and half-sister Avonrose is equally proficient on turf as on fibresand, that can be taken as likely.

There's a good-quality fillies' handicap at Haydock taking place at 20:00, with unexposed and in-form sorts making up plenty of the 10-strong field. Our selection, Burke's Rock, falls into the former category, with just five career starts to her name thus far. She's recorded two wins in that time, in a Lingfield maiden and a Newmarket handicap, while her most recent effort at Sandown was her most promising yet. Burke's Rock probably had little chance against well-backed favourite Jacob Cats (who has since finished fourth at Glorious Goodwood) that day, especially considering she'd been off seven weeks, but she travelled potently in any case, leading until well inside the final furlong. Now presumably fully tuned-up, Burke's Rock is ready to go one better.

Finally, in the last race at Newmarket this evening, Picabo (20:20) is expected to follow up after a three and a quarter length victory from Soap Wars at Yarmouth last time. Although she is up 8 lb for her win, Henry Candy's filly has been improving since the application of a hood on her last two outings, and is therefore open to continue this good run of form. Both the trip and ground are repeated tonight, which should contribute to a winning run for Picabo.


Timeform SmartPlays

Back Tussie Mussie @ 4.7 in the 18:55 at Haydock
Back Burke's Rock @ 3.3 in the 20:00 at Haydock
Back Picabo @ 5.2 in the 20:20 at Newmarket




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Timeform bring you a runner-by-runner guide to Haydock's class 3 handicap run over a mile...


Compton won 6f Windsor maiden on debut and has been bordering on useful since, finishing a sound fourth to Fast Or Free in Britannia on return. Flopped in heavy going last time and worth another chance.

Van Der Art's profile had a progressive look to it, finishing in frame in handicaps first 3 starts this term. However, blotted copybook when virtually refusing to race at Ascot last time.

Touch Gold made all when breaking his duck in 1m maiden at Newmarket and made every post a winning one again when decisively landing a 9f Yarmouth handicap since. 10 lb higher now but remains of interest.

Satanic Beat gained reward for some solid efforts when bagging a 1m Pontefract handicap in June, and stepped forward again when beating a subsequent winner at Ripon last time. Should give another good account.

Ellaal was an expensive yearling who stepped up on debut when winning hot 7f maiden at Newmarket at 2. Well held in sales race there on return in April and not seen since, but too early to write off.

Jack Who's He won first 2 starts at 2 yrs and not discredited upped in class thereafter, including when twice placed in handicaps this year. More exposed than most, though.

Andalieb is an unexposed colt who romped home in 1m Doncaster handicap in June from subsequent winner, hanging left but well in control. Run best ignored next time and comes into the reckoning.

Just Fabulous was a 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. Touch Gold
2. Satanic Beat
3. Ellaal

Timeform View: Touch Gold is a colt firmly on the up and could be hard to pass as he bids for the hat-trick for his in-form yard. Satanic Beat is thriving at the moment and rates a danger, while market support for the unexposed Ellaal would look significant on his return from a lay-off.



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The Timeform Irish team highlight three more selections for tonight's meeting at Sligo.....

We kick off this evening with a fair-looking maiden at 17:35 and we will side with the Jim Bolger-trained Strapless. Despite being cheaply bought, Strapless has shown fair form on the track, finishing placed on all five on her starts and, though not at her best on her last two outings, she had a number of these behind her when second to Washboard Sam at Down Royal last time. A reproduction of that effort will see her go very close and she is taken to get off the mark at the sixth attempt.

The nursery at 18:10 looks a competitive affair, but Chips Are Down is the only runner to have seen the inside of the winner's enclosure and he looks more than capable of doing so again. Placed on all three starts in maidens prior to getting off the mark in a similar race at the Curragh last month, Chips Are Down didn't quite get home when second over seven furlongs at Galway last week. The slight drop in trip this evening is expected to suit and he should be able to score off his current mark.

Our final selection this evening comes in the form of Hay Point in the handicap at 19:10. The John Oxx-trained filly has shown herself to be a fair performer to date, landing a Fairyhouse maiden in June and then chasing home Chicago (winner again since) in a handicap over the same course and distance last month. Hay Point was fancied to regain the winning thread at the Galway Festival last week, but she never really landed a blow that day and was not knocked about once her chance her gone. Given this will be only her fifth career start, it is believed that Hay Point may still have more to offer and she is expected to make a bold bid this evening.


Timeform SmartPlays:
all at Sligo

Back Strapless in the 17:35
Back Chips Are Down in the 18:10
Back Hay Point in the 19:10


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Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to a competitive five furlong handicap from Ripon's evening meeting on Tuesday...


Tax Free was a Group 2 winner in his pomp and showed there's still plenty of fire in his belly in recent starts, good third at York last month and bang there for much of way when seventh at Goodwood on Saturday.

Bosun Breeze is a front runner who has thrived this year, winning 4 times at 5f, including here. Well beaten off this mark at Ascot last time but this bit easier and no surprise if he bounces back.

Singeur won twice over 5f last spring and produced several creditable efforts in defeat thereafter. Possibly needed run on last month's Pontefract reappearance and should be sharper now.

Hazelrigg ended a long losing run when finding more than usual at York last month. Lost all chance at start at Ascot (blindfold still on when stalls opened) but his new mark could prove beyond him anyway.

Fitz Flyer has not been with David Nicholls that long and shaped quite well in couple of big-field handicaps at Ascot and Goodwood in last 9 days. Well drawn and got to be high on the shortlist here.

Solemn was hit with a 7 lb rise for his easy success at Sandown in June and handicapper has essentially looked in control on both starts since. Others preferred for now.

Excel Bolt scored twice as a 2-y-o and finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Doesn't look the force of old these days, though, and not made any real impact in handicaps last 3 starts.

Noodles Blue Boy is a reliable sort who has won twice this year, rallying to defeat Liberty Island ½ length at Newcastle recently. Likely to give running but suspicion he may be vulnerable off new mark in better race.

Perfect Blossom was a revelation in 2010, reeling off 6 handicap wins for Kevin Ryan. Lightly raced since and an uninspiring return for new yard at York in May.

Bonnie Charlie is not the force of old, but still capable on his day and certainly caught the eye when fifth to Spinatrix at Ayr last month (rider banned under non-triers' rule). Yet another to consider.

Haajes was a runner-up on 2 of his last 4 starts, beaten just a head at Ayr last month. Got going too late when fourth at Haydock since and blinkers now back on.

Defence Council is on a long losing run and has patchy form this year, following up career-best second at Doncaster with trio of poor runs since.

Oldjoesaid has been rejuvenated by new yard, capitalising on plummeting handicap mark to land 5f handicap in mud at Catterick in June. Good second next time but not so good last twice and this looks competitive.

Best Trip is yet another fine advertisment for Brian Ellison, notching a hat-trick of wins not long after joining the yard. Last 2 efforts suggest handicapper may have caught up now, though.

Sovereign Street is a lightly-raced filly who has been on up this year, winning 6f handicaps in mud at Hamilton and Ayr last month. Drop to 5f no problem but this a much stronger race than she's tackled previously.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Fitz Flyer
2. Bonnie Charlie
3. Singeur

Timeform View: David Nicholls looks to hold a strong hand for a race run in memory of his former boss David Chapman. A decent case can be made for all 3 of his runners but it's Fitz Flyer who gets the nod from a good draw against the rail. Bonnie Charlie can follow him home, with Robin Bastiman's Singeur another who looks capable of going well.


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