TimeformBlog

The well-bred Code Cracker can improve for her debut run when finishing third behind Iceni Girl at Folkestone last month to claim the opening race on the Catterick Card (14:00). Sir Mark Prescott's horses have been in fine form of late, having recorded five wins from fourteen starts since July 18, and this filly should be able to keep that successful run going with Seb Sanders displacing Stevie Donohoe in the saddle. If improving for that first time out run as expected, then Code Cracker will take plenty of beating and can get us off to a good start this afternoon.

Course-and-distance specialist Eijaaz has a solid level of form, given his latest two efforts were very close to career bests, and he can follow up last month's victory to record a seventh success in another claimer at Catterick (16:30). Hel's Angel reopposes having been defeated by half a length last time when conceding 1lb, but Eijaaz is now in receipt of 3lb from that rival and it is difficult to see Hel's Angel reversing the form. Given the ideal distance and ground conditions once again, it is difficult to oppose Eijaaz against a field of modest performers at a course he clearly loves.

Think It's All Over (19:30) is another looking to follow up a course success from last month, having stayed on well last time out to record a victory at Southwell over a furlong shorter than tonight's trip. Think It's All Over has slipped down the weights due to some fairly modest performances on turf in recent months and has been put back up by only 4 lb for his win last time, leaving him well treated having been victorious off of a far higher mark for his former yard last season. In a race where there are plenty of front runners, Think It's All Over may be helped by the same patient tactics employed last time out by Micky Fenton as there is a possibility that the leaders may go off too quickly.

Recommendations
Back Code Cracker @ 2.2 in the 14:00 at Catterick
Back Eijaaz @ 2.82 in the 16:30 at Catterick
Back Think It's All Over @ 4.8 in the 19:30 at Southwell

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Zero Money won twice over 7f last summer when allowed to dominate, and back on the up with blinkers fitted of late, impressive when making all in 6f handicap on Saturday. Will be hard to stop despite a penalty.

Above Limits is a speedy front runner who was well ridden to finish placed in 3 listed races last term, including a couple in Italy. Well held on both starts in the spring, however, and has something to prove now.

Bathwick Bear was a listed race winner at 2 yrs and some good efforts in defeat this term. Fair fourth in first-time visor at Goodwood on Friday, but more required to win off current mark. Headgear left off now.

Drawnfromthepast was successful 3 times for Jamie Osborne in 2010, and finding his feet for new yard now, back on scoresheet at Bath last month in blanket finish. This is tougher, and he's not sure to repeat that form.

Star Rover finds winning tough nowadays, but still retains all his speed and durability, and ran as well as he has in a while when third in listed company at Chester on Sunday. Every chance with a repeat.

Secret Millionaire is a strong traveller who held form well in 2010. Often shaped better than bare result this term, and is now 4 lb lower than for last win. Did too much in front last time, and no forlorn hope.

Steelcut landed fourth win of the campaign at Chester (6f) in May but below form turned out quickly last time. Now 1 lb out of handicap in a stronger race than he usually contests, and opposable.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Zero Money
2. Star Rover
3. Secret Millionaire

Timeform's View: Zero Money was never in danger when routing his field at Newmarket on Saturday, and while Star Rover put up an equally meritorious performance at Chester on Sunday, the top weight is hard to oppose. Secret Millionaire can grab third.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Eland Ally (16:15) can get back to winning ways at Ripon. He continues in fine form and there's plenty of reason to think he would have scored at Haydock last month if he'd broken on terms, in the end beaten a short head by Gottcher having made up late ground. Tom Queally, who rode him to success at Doncaster in June, is back on board today.

Useful jumper Neptune Equester (19:25) can follow up last month's victory at Carlisle back there this evening. Rated in the 130s over hurdles and fences, the eight-year-old relished every yard of Carlisle's marathon trip as he stayed on dourly to land a gamble on his handicap debut on the level. Even after a 6 lb rise for that he still looks thrown in, and that's before you consider that he races off a mark just 1 lb higher today with Harriet Bethell's claim factored in.

Hayley Turner is a notable absentee from the lady riders' card at Carlisle, but that track's loss is Windsor's gain, and the July Cup winner can steer Efistorm (20:40) home in the final race Thamesside this evening. Conor Dore's charge has won six-furlong sellers over course and distance and at Folkestone in the last month or so and looks well treated returned to handicap-company at a track he loves, while the rail draw is another plus.

Recommendations
Back Eland Ally @ 3.5 Ripon 16:15
Back Neptune Equester @ 3.3 Carlisle 19:25
Back Efistorm @ 4.8 Windsor 20:40

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Lady Royale has looked temperamental, but responded well to pressure when regaining winning thread at Pontefract last time. Not certain to build on that given previous record, but needs consideration.

Eland Ally is an imposing gelding from yard which took this race last year, and better than ever when beaten a short head in 7-runner contest at Haydock last time despite a slow start. Should make a bold bid.

On The High Tops is a stablemate of Eland Ally who won a 5f Thirsk handicap in April, but went wrong way after a good start at 2 yrs, and heading for a repeat if last run is a guide. Blinkers tried.

Restless Bay is in top form this summer, runner-up for third start in a row at Bath last month, and overall record suggests a modest effort at Doncaster last time is just a blip. Not easily ruled out.

Crimson Not has been a model of consistency through barren patch for her trainer, so wouldn't be winning out of turn now yard's fortunes have been revived, and latest York third looks solid form.

Bay of Fires won 7f minor event at Catterick at 2 yrs, and runner-up twice there this year before shaping as if amiss when turned out quickly last time. Should leave that behind, but 5f a bare minimum.

Captain Kolo landed a 5f Catterick maiden from the front on second of 3 starts as a 2-y-o. Not really shone this year, and again below form when sixth of 8, behind Crimson Knot, at York last time.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Eland Ally
2. Lady Royale
3. Crimson Not

Timeform View: Tom Tate is double handed in a bid to repeat last year's win in this, and Eland Ally makes by far the most appeal. Lady Royale will be dangerous if in the same mood as last time, while Crimson Knot represents the resurgent Alan Berry.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Western Aristocrat (14:35) should get us off to a good start at Goodwood this afternoon. The Jeremy-Noseda trained colt has looked very progressive this year and caught the eye when finishing strongly in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. Western Aristocrat is now stepped up to a mile and the form of his last run was franked by Strong Suit in the Lennox earlier this week, so he rates a good bet at around 2.6 today.

Next up is Federation (15:30), who has shown progressive form in her three starts to date and is fancied to belatedly lose her maiden tag at Thirsk this afternoon. The selection was denied by the narrowest of margins by Red Eyes in a much stronger event at Newmarket last time, whilst pulling 9 lengths clear of the eventual third, and a reproduction of that effort will make her difficult to beat this afternoon.

Finally we come to Tenby Lady, who showed great battling qualities when landing a competitive-looking handicap at York on Saturday by ½ length from Antigua Sunrise. The Sir Mark Prescott-trained filly was always prominent in what was a strongly-run affair and as such can be rated value for more than the eventual winning margin.She is turned out qucikly under a penalty at Bath tonight (19:55), but this looks a weaker race and she is expected to follow up enroute to better things.

Recommendations
Back Western Aristocrat @ 2.6 Goodwood 14:35
Back Federation @ 2.86 Thirsk 15:30
Back Tenby Lady @ 1.91 Bath 19:55

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Willie Mullins' excellent record of improving horses from other yards is well documented nowadays, but that hasn't stopped the layers from pricing up Rockyaboya (17.10) around the 9.0 mark. Formerly with Caroline Hutchinson, Rockyaboya ran a career-est when not beaten far into second by Career Move at Cork and, having not been with his yard long, is open to further improvement. Rainforest Magic is sure to be a warm order as the Dermot Weld juggernaut hurtles along, but he does nothing quickly and looks vulnerable at this trip around here.

Serve Time (18.15) represents a yard that do well at this track and this one-time useful hurdler showed he's no back number when winning a novice chase at Limerick easily on his first start for Paul Gilligan. Still unexposed over fences after just the three starts, Serve Time should improve again given what he was capable of over timber and, with Barry Geraghty in the saddle and conditions to suit, everything looks to be in place for a big run.

The Noel Meade-trained Leroy Parker looks primed for a big run in the mile handicap at 20.00, stepped up in trip for his handicap bow and fitted with first-time blinkers. His three runs in 6f/7f maidens haven't got to the bottom of him and, being from the family of a smart stayer, he's expected to relish the step up to a mile. Fairylike is respected but has her quirks, whilst Along Came Casey is plenty short enough in the betting, even allowing for her connections.

Recommendations
Back Rockyaboya at 9.0 in the 17:10
Back Serve Time at 7.4 in the 18:15
Back Leroy Parker at 12.0 in the 20:00

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Indian Days won handicaps at this meeting in 2008 and 2010, and confirmed himself a smart performer with a gritty win in John Porter on reappearance. Out of depth in Group 1s last twice but this a bit easier.

Campanologist won a brace of Group 1 events in Germany last year, and back to best when chasing home So You Think at the Curragh in May. Effort under pressure both starts since has been disappointing, though.

Distant Memories is smart and consistent, only twice out of first 3 since debut. Didn't need to be at his best when scoring in listed race at Pontefract last time, but nothing less than a career best will do here.

Drunken Sailor is a strong traveller who did well in 2010, winning 3 times in all including a listed race here (1¾m). Career best when winning at Newbury in May, but work to do with Harris Tweed on latest Ascot run.

Halicarnassus is just a solid handicapper nowadays, but gained a deserved success in Old Newton Cup at Haydock earlier in month. Found drop in trip against him here on Tuesday, but up against it in this company.

Harris Tweed was much improved in 2010, and right back to his best when finding only Await The Dawn too good in Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot last month. Had 2 of these behind that day, and of serious interest.

Jukebox Jury is a very smart performer on his day, winning 1½m Group 2 at Newmarket in May 2010. Made a successful reappearance in listed event on July course last month, and that a good platform back up in class.

Rasmy made good strides on first 4 starts spread out over 8 months, but has just a Bath maiden to his name, and offered little on belated return at Sandown having been gelded. Now up in trip.

Redwood fulfilled all his potential in 2010, globetrotting with great success having landed corresponding race. Not at very best when runner-up in Princess of Wales's last time, but must go well.

Nouriya progressed well in 2010, winning 3 times over 1¼m (last 2 in listed company). Found step up in grade too much both runs in the spring, and same scenario envisaged up in trip against the boys.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Harris Tweed
2. Redwood
3. Jukebox Jury

Timeform's View: Last year's winner Redwood is a most reliable proposition and is sure to run well, but Harris Tweed arrives here on the back of an excellent second in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot and is taken to go one better. Jukebox Jury looks best of the rest.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Rock Critic might be favourite for the handicap over an extended mile at 15:00, but he really does stand out in a race where progressive types are thin on the ground. He's won on his reappearance in his last two campaigns and looked all set to develop into a listed-class performer last summer, winning a handicap at this festival by a wide margin before following up under a 5 lb penalty at Naas with any amount in hand. His last run was a little disappointing given what had gone before (seventh at Leopardstown), but he again travelled strongly and his subsequent absence suggests there was more behind that defeat than just his revised mark. Ted Dolly, Solent Ridge and Casela Park all have solid place claims but none have the potential of Rock Critic and he should be supported to add to Weld's already impressive tally.

Bideford Legend (16:10) looks to have plenty in his favour and should be clear favourite in the two-and-a-half mile novice hurdle just over an hour later. This versatile sort has been right at the top of his game so far this summer, winning a handicap chase at Killarney in May with plenty up his sleeve and then finishing second in a handicap hurdle at Listowel, looking sure to collect when sent for home before reeled in close home by another progressive sort. The drop back from three miles won't present any problems at all, and though Tavern Times does have the potential to improve now tackling this longer trip, he has plenty on his plate if he's to trouble Bideford Legend.

Teach Nua looks an obvious starting point in the 17:30 as he's potentially well handicapped, is well drawn and represents Dermot Weld. However, all that has been factored into his price so it could be worth siding with Denis of Kerry win and place instead. He too looks well treated on the pick of his efforts from earlier campaigns and his fourth at Bellewstown last time was certainly a step back in the right direction, travelling strongly for a long way in a first-time tongue strap but just found out by the trip (14f). This drop back to a mile and a half looks in his favour and his yard are in good form at present.

Recommendations
All at Galway
Back Rock Critic in the 15.00
Back Bideford Legend in the 16.10
Back Denis of Kerry win and place in the 17.30

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Amour Propre can get the ball rolling for us in the King George Stakes this afternoon given his prominent running-style should be ideally suited to Goodwood's sharp 5f course. Although a smart performer at two years, during which he won three of his four starts, including the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes at Ascot, Henry Candy's gelding has undoubtedly had problems since, most notably when returning from the 2009 Nunthorpe with bruised feet. However, he was almost back to his very best on his seasonal reappearance at York just nineteen days ago, and with that run likely to have bought him on from a fitness point of view, he looks sure to go close today.

Opinion Poll has always threatened to deliver big race victory and his day in the sun could well be today. Since joining Mahmoud Al Zarooni, Opinion Poll has performed better than ever, yet to finish out of the frame in five starts this year, including when producing a career-best to finish three lengths second to Fame And Glory in the Ascot Gold Cup last time. Opinion Poll seemed to find the soft ground and extreme trip particularly suitable there, but with today's ground perfect and the likely strong pace sure to suit, he can prove himself a force over two miles and give Frankie Dettori his third win in the popular feature race.

The progressive Wild Coco can become Sir Henry Cecil's second winner of the Lillie Langtry Stakes in three years when stepping up to a-mile-and-three-quarters for the first time this afternoon. Wild Coco has come a long way in very little time as this is just her fourth career start, but she showed a smart level of form when beating 2010 Oaks runner-up Meeznah over 1m4f last time, the pair pulling ten lengths clear of the pursuing group. Three-year-olds tend to be helped by a very favorable weight-for-age allowance at this time of year and Wild Coco's main danger not come from an older horse, but Field of Miracles, who was second behind Banimpire in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. Of the two, Wild Coco is open to the more improvement and with the trip expect to suit, she gets the nod.

Recommendations
Back Amour Propre @ 6.4 in the 14:45 Goodwood
Back Opinion Poll @ 6.0 in the 15:15 Goodwood
Back Wild Coco @ 2.8 in the 15:45 Goodwood

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/

Blue Bajan has come right back to best for new yard this year, following second in Yorkshire Cup with victory in Henry II. Only tenth behind several of these in Ascot Gold Cup last time, however.

Aaim To Prosper ended 2010 on a high with win in the Cesarewitch. Even better this year, beaten narrowly by Chiberta King in listed race at Sandown last time. That probably more his level than this.

Allied Powers is a tough sort who was a dual Group winner at 1½m in France last year. Largely creditable efforts in defeat this term, but not guaranteed to stay this far.

Bergo is a multiple winner over hurdles/fences, also successful in 2010 Queen Alexandra. Ran a blinder in 2m Group 3 at Meydan (in front of Opinion Poll) when last seen in March. One to consider.

Chilberta King is a front runner who was successful in 1¾m handicap here prior to taking step up to listed level in his stride at Sandown (2m) earlier this month. More needed to land hat-trick.

Electrolyser for a long time has shaped as if worth a try in headgear, which finally happens here, and second in this race 12 months ago. Better effort this year when close up behind Chiberta King at Sandown.

Fox Hunt is a hugely progressive gelding, winning competitive 1½m handicaps at Epsom and Royal Ascot before pushing Tactician all the way at York (1¾m) last time. Thriving, and well worth a try in this company.

Geordieland won couple of Group 2s since he was second in this in 2006, but lightly raced in recent years and was pulled up on his first run for 21 months in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Lost In The Moment won 3 times for Jeremy Noseda in 2010 and further progress since joining current yard, placed in hot 1¼m handicaps last 2 starts. Taking marked step up in trip here.

Manighar is yet to win in Britain but retains every bit of his ability judged on fourth in testing conditions in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Gone well here before, and strong claims dropped back to 2m.

Montaff has been temperamental in past but hard to knock this season, winning 2m Ripon handicap in April and second in Henry II and Northumberland Plate last 2 starts, both those races over this trip as well.

Opinion Poll is a likeable stayer who has continued improvement this year for new trainer, staying on well into second in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Leading claims even if this won't provide quite the same test.

Overturn is a high-class hurdler who made all in Chester Cup on return to Flat in May. Better than result in Northumberland Plate last month, and could have still more to offer in this sphere.

Red Cadeaux is a tough gelding who is finally delivering all he's promised, winning 1½m listed handicap at Hamilton and Group 3 at the Curragh on 2 of last 3 starts. Stays this far and should give his running.

Swingkeel is an out-and-out stayer who won over hurdles for Nigel Twiston-Davies in March. Back to winning ways on the level when relishing extreme test in Queen Alexandra last month, but this a much different task.

Tastahil is a smart performer who won Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket on final 2010 start, and as good as ever when runner-up in Chester Cup on return. Shaped as if amiss in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot since.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Opinion Poll
2. Manighar
3. Fox Hunt

Timeform's View: Fox Hunt bids to give Mark Johnston a sixth success in this race and looks the pick of those trying their arm in a Cup race for the first time, but Opinion Poll will take some stopping if able to repeat his run in the Gold Cup. Manighar is unlikely to be far away, either.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/