TimeformBlog

Gobama improved in 2010, winning mile handicaps at Newmarket and Thirsk. She showed she was on the way back with a good third to one very well treated on the AW last time and has clear chance on her return to turf.

Amethyst Dawn progressed well last year, winning four times up to a mile. She had been looking as if she was working her way back to match sharpness until a never-threatening run at Ripon last time, but is well handicapped if that just a blip.

Granny McPhee thrived last year, winning four handicaps, and was back to her best when overcoming her usual tardy start at Chester last month. She has shaped better than the bare result both starts since, but this looks a barely adequate trip.

She's A Character has a patchy record but capitalised on a drop in the weights when going in by four lengths at Doncaster in April. She is back up to the sort of mark off which she has struggled before and it seemed to find her out at Haydock last time.

Whispering Spirit has built up an excellent record on polytrack, winning four times on that surface in 2010, but showed little on her reappearance and still goes without headgear now having a rare run on turf.

Askaud won a seven-furlong Thirsk maiden last year when trained by Jeremy Glover. She improved when second to Beatrice Aurore in a handicap over a mile at Goodwood on her reappearance and is easily forgiven her latest run in view of her overall profile.

Oceanway improved with each of her three runs in maidens in 2010, getting off the mark in emphatic fashion at Kempton. She has been well below form so far this year though and looks up against it taking on her elders.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1.    Gobama
2.    Askaud
3.    Amethyst Dawn

Timeform View: Gobama ended 2010 below form in listed races, but her latest third at Kempton behind one who was on a particularly good mark reads very well ahead of a return to her favoured surface and she can make the long journey from Lambourn worthwhile. Askaud and Frances Stuart can fill the places.

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Absinthe was firmly on the up last season, winning mile-and-a-quarter handicaps at Windsor and Sandown in August. He was only mid-field in the Cambridgeshire when last seen but these conditions are fine and he can go well fresh.

Resentful Angel has made gradual progress right through her career, but was slightly flattered by her second in a listed race in April. She wasn't at her best last time and others look better treated stepping back into handicaps.

King Olav was better than ever when winning a twelve-furlong minor event over a mile and a half here in February. He ran well in a similar race at Lingfield on his penultimate start and can be excused his latest effort.

Franco Is My Name was progressive on the AW in 2010, winning five times up to eleven furlongs. He was out of his depth in the Winter Derby last time and this is more suitable, but he hasn't fully convinced with his attitude of late.

Constant Contact progressed again when landing a five-runner handicap at Windsor a year ago. He only ran twice afterwards in 2010, but put up good effort on his reappearance and is still on a competitive mark.

Sweet Origin has won all three of his starts on the AW this year, giving the impression that there was still more to come when successful here in March. He was well held in a stronger race on turf last time though.

Fremont won two of his four starts as a juvenile. He has been lightly raced since and hasn't been given too hard a time in a couple of outings this year. He has his stamina to prove for this trip.

Tinshu dead-heated on turf at Windsor prior to showing improved form on the AW later in 2010. She should be at her best now after a few runs this year and the return to this longer trip will help.

Fastnet Storm is a front runner who did well in 2009, winning three times around a mile and a quarter. He was back to winning ways at Wolverhampton in November but ran poorly when last seen. He is an interesting runner now starting out for David Barron.

Heddwyn belied 50/1 odds when making a winning start at Windsor in April 2010. He progressed again when placed in handicaps on his two subsequent outings that year and is one of the least exposed runners here.

Point North showed a willing attitude when winning at Nottingham maiden in October. He looked much improved when winning here on his reappearance (heavily eased), should stay this longer trip and should go well despite a wide draw.

Thin Red Line won at Chester on his reappearance last year but went the wrong way afterwards. He was well held on his reappearance too and looks up against it unless raising his game.

Kidlat is a front runner who has been in great form on the AW this year, winning three handicaps up to this trip. He ran well at Chester last time and is a place contender is left alone in front.

Sing Sweetly has consistently run creditably in handicaps since opening her account in a twelve-furlong maiden here last time. She wasn't at her best on her reappearance, but her overall profile suggests she can bounce back.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Fastnet Storm
2. Heddwyn
3. Point North

Timeform View: Fastnet Storm makes his debut for David Barron off a manageable mark and he could prove the answer in this competitive heat. Heddwyn, whose final-start third to Green Destiny at Leicester looks all the better now, and Point North should also go well.

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14:30 - Both of this afternoon's meetings begin with juvenile maidens, and with Redcar's opener looking that bit easier than Leicester's offering, our Placepot location is decided. Angel Kiss showed a modicum of ability on her debut and, in what looks a weak race, should be competitive with that experience behind her, whilst Kevin Ryan has had nine wins from his juveniles so far this year and his Inetrobil could easily be another.

15:00 - It's the usual quandary in a seller - take the class act knowing that he has issues that could affect his performance, in this case temperament, or try to get him beat with a couple who are poor yet consistent? With a lack of the latter type of horse and the fact that Frognal is dropping into this company for the first time, the former selection method is tentatively preferred.

15:30 - Petsas Pleasure is capable in this grade but failed to take advantage of a poor race at Yarmouth last time and, therefore, the lightly-raced Dialogue, who has slid down the weights in recent seasons and was a promising fourth on his comeback is taken instead. Similarly, Tropical Duke hasn't had much racing and shaped with enough promise on his return to suggest he'll be winning races this year.

16:00 - For all that he has been well beaten in both his races this year, Pavershooz is the first name on the list after shaping better than the bare result at Thirsk last time, also now on a 5 lb lower BHA rating (83) that when winning his last race. Admittedly that last win for Pavershooz did come in September 2009, but the application of first-time cheekpieces may just do the trick. Insurance comes in the shape of Ishetoo, who's extremely well-handicapped, who's yard had a 28.0 winner yesterday, and who's going to be ridden by the champion jockey.

16:30 - With O Ma Lad failing to reproduce something close to his best when returning at Windsor recently, Lady Chloe, twice runner-up this year, rates as banker material in what looks a weak ten-furlong maiden.

17:00 - We started with a David O'Meara filly and we shall end with one, in this case Ingleby Exceed in the sprint handicap for three-year-olds. A winner for David Barron last year, she makes her seasonal debut at a time when her new yard are in great form and it would be no surprise to see her build on her three respectable efforts in nurseries at the back end of last year. The form of Fast Shot's recent third isn't working out so Misty Morn is included as back-up.

Selections
14:30    2, 4
15:00    1
15:30    2, 7
16:00    3, 5
16:30    10
17:00    2, 7
= 16 lines

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Hamoody beat just 2 rivals home at Thirsk last time, but won't be far away if able to reproduce the form of his penultimate sixth in a hot Newmarket handicap.

Bronze Beau isn't the heartiest of battlers, but consistent in 2010 and resumed winning ways when making all at Catterick (5f) last time. Now 8 lb higher in a tougher race, though.

Pavershooz failed to get his head in front in 2010 and hasn't troubled the judge in 2 starts so far this term, though not knocked about at Thirsk last time. Cheekpieces now tried.

Diman Waters is a strong traveller who improved last year, and better than bare result both starts this term, caught wide when sixth to Le Toreador at Thirsk (5f) last time (wore blinkers but omitted here).

Ishetoo largely struggled to make a real impact in 2010, and last victory was gained over 2 years ago. Undeniably well treated now, though, so wouldn't be too dismissive.

Select Committee was successful twice in 5f handicaps in space of a week in September. Creditable 3 lengths third to Bronze Beau at Catterick last time and 8 lb better off with that rival here. Change of headgear.

Milton of Campsie was a multiple winner in autumn of 2009 and while she drew a blank last season, she did go close on a couple of occasions. Capable of playing a big part if ready to do herself justice on belated return.

Bedloe's Island hasn't added to his victory in a C&D maiden handicap almost 2 years ago, though he was placed in 2 of his 4 starts in 2010. Tardy start cost him any chance on return at Thirsk earlier this month.

Nomoreblondes is none too consistent but returned to form when beating Grudge by 2½ lengths in a C&D seller 22 days ago, seemingly responding well to first-time visor. Claims if headgear works as well again.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Diman Waters
2. Milton of Campsie
3. Hamoody

Timeform's View: Expect the pace to be lightning quick and such a scenario will play into the hands of Diman Waters, who should be reaching concert pitch now with a couple of runs under his belt. Milton of Campsie and Hamoody are feared most.

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Amwell Pinot is extremely reliable, never unplaced when not overfaced, and winner of an AW handicap in March. However, he'll need to improve plenty taking on progressive types up in trip now back on turf again.

Jehanbux needed all of 1m to win a Sandown maiden at 2 yrs and was better than ever when taking 9f handicap at Goodwood on his return. He's open to more progress up in trip and is certainly one to consider.

Shooting Gallery made an impressive debut when winning a 1m maiden at Sandown in September by 3¾ lengths from a next-time winner. Stiffer tasks after without improving but handicap mark not suffered and could go well on return.

Malthouse won a 6f maiden at Ascot on his debut last July. His form has taken a long time to take off but clearly suited by the step up to this trip at Sandown last time (form already boosted) and very much a player.

Audacious brings some very strong 2-y-o form to the table and made all for a ready success over this trip at Lingfield on his comeback. Probably on a good mark now going handicapping.

Flag Officer looked a shade unlucky on debut but no mistake when winning 7f maiden at Wolverhampton later in autumn and then a nursery at Kempton. Form of both wins look solid and type to carry on improving up in trip.

Blue Destination produced promising efforts both runs at 2 yrs and ran out a ready winner as that form entitled him to at Yarmouth on comeback. Remains capable of better and shouldn't be underestimated.

Danadana looks a sure=fire improver now going handicapping after Newcastle reappearance success confirmed stamina test is just what he needs. That form is possibly slightly dubious, but a bold show is very much anticipated here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Audacious
2. Flag Officer
3. Jehanbux

Timeform View: Audacious's close fourth behind Picture Editor, Nathaniel and Genius Beast last year makes him look potentially very well treated off a mark of 87 and he could have too many guns for Flag Officer whose 2-y-o form is also strong. Jehanbux and Danadana are others to note in an interesting affair.

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18:00 - First-leg embarrassment is not what we want, so I'm going to take three to hopefully secure our passage through this tricky handicap. As an improving four-year-old, Chain of Events is guaranteed of a place in the perm, while his yard continues in good heart to boot. A couple of solid types are selected to support the current favourite, namely Rock The Stars (who has been gradually working up to form this year) and Potentiale.

18:30 - An early gauge of the state of the juvenile division, but the two at the head of the betting have already met, when second-favourite Bannock overcame Magic City in a minor event at Windsor. Bannock received an easy lead that day, but it's most unlikely that he'll be afforded the same luxury this time and as such there's likely to be plenty of pace for Magic City to attack. He also boasts the best form and therefore we don't need to look anywhere else.

19:05 - With the field currently eight-strong, the temptation is to find a banker in the Henry II Stakes. Akmal is undoubtedly the best candidate for our purposes, winner of this very race in 2010 and already placed in a couple of good staying races this season, while there's also a chance that he won't be hard pressed to secure the lead. Even he's an uneasy banker, however, so I'm going to throw recent Yorkshire Cup runner-up Blue Bajan into the mix, there being no reason why his resurgence since joining the David O'Meara yard can't continue.

19:40 - Workforce and Frankel are going to be the pair who will secure a second consecutive champion owner's title for Khalid Abdulla this season, so the former had better start contributing straight away. We've all heard the warnings that he'll need the run, and this is an incredibly strong renewal of the Brigadier Gerard Stakes, but it's well worth remembering that Workforce has still had only five starts in his career and anything other than a complete blowout tonight is likely to see him in the three.

20:15 - A very interesting race with a view to later in the season, with most of these three-year-olds likely to have higher ambitions down the line, and negotiating this leg isn't going to be easy. Fury finished fifth in the 2000 Guineas last time, showing his inexperience all the while, and in a less daunting field is the most likely of the quintet to place. I'm taking a bit of a risk with the second selection, but Tazahum looks a Group horse in the making (beaten only by Dubawi Gold so far) and still seemed green when winning a handicap from a BHA mark of 92 on his reappearance.

20:45 - Julienas' eye-catching third over course and distance on his reappearance hasn't gone unnoticed looking at the market, but this is another tricky leg and we can't afford to overlook potentially the best-handicapped horse in the race. Leviathan is presumably priced up on the basis that his very best form has come over shorter, but he was seventh in the Spring Cup on his first start for this yard and shaped as though a stronger pace would have suited when fourth over seven furlongs at Newcastle last time. He may not be the most straightforward, but there's no knocking Moynahan's consistency and that makes him a sound third selection for our perm.

Selections (36 lines):
18:00 - 1, 3, 6
18:30 - 3
19:05 - 2, 3
19:40 - 1
20:15 - 2, 5
20:45 - 2, 9, 10

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Workforce powered home to win the Derby by seven lengths on just his third start and put a poor run behind him when landing the Arc on his final start in 2010. He has a shorter trip and penalty to contend with on this return, but is up to defying both.

Afsare beat the classy Wigmore Hall over this trip in a minor event at Doncaster and a listed race at Royal Ascot last term. He seemed in need of the run on his reappearance and should still do better, though faces no easy task in this field.

Black Spirit got back on track following a breathing operation when landing a handicap over a mile here last July. He came up short in pattern company later in 2010 but improved when second over C&D on his reappearance. This is tougher still, however.

Cavalryman was a high-class colt in 2009 for Andre Fabre, winning three times before rounding off the year with a third in the Arc/ He was below his best for this yard last season but can't be ruled out back in Group 3 company.

Distant Memories is a smart and consistent gelding who was only finished out of the first three once since his debut. He gained his biggest win in the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor in August and ran well in this grade at Chester on his reappearance.

Elusive Pimpernel impressively won the Craven Stakes in 2010 and ran respectably in the 2000 Guineas next time. He wasn't seen out after that year, but made an encouraging return at Newmarket last time and should be much sharper with that behind him.

Jan Vermeer made rapid strides as a two-year-old, culminating with a Group 1 win in France. He made a smooth return to action in a Group 3 last season before finishing in the frame in the Derby and Irish Derby, and has scope to do better still this term, particularly at this trip.

Poet was back near his best when battling to hold off Class Is Class in a Haydock Group 3 last August. He has mainly held his form since, but is best in the mud and will find this too competitive.

Sri Putra was slightly flattered by his second to Twice Over in the Eclipse last year and hasn't look a Group 1 horse otherwise. He was beaten at odds on in a three-runner minor event on his return and others are more convincing.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1.    Workforce
2.    Elusive Pimpernel
3.    Jan Vermeer

Timeform View: It's hard to imagine a stronger Group 3 event with Derby and Arc hero Workforce the centre of attention. This isn't his big target and he has a penalty to shoulder, but he may have the requisite class to see him home. Elusive Pimpernel remains a very good prospect and, along with Jan Vermeer, could give him most to do.

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18:30 - Elmaam has the best form in the opener and is open to further improvement, so she has to go in, but it'd be an excellent result were we to get her out and manage to sneak the second selection, Eljowzah , into the three. The latter-named shaped well when third at Lingfield back in March and is the type to continue progressing.

19:00 - Most of those in the mile-and-a-quarter handicap arrive in good form and it's bound to be well-run, so it's not easy to find a definite angle into the race. As such, I'm going to take a cautious approach and include Doctor Zhivago, Sharakti and Solicitor.

19:30 - The Hilary Needler might have lost its listed tag, but this year's renewal promises to be much stronger than last year, with four of the nine runners having already run to a higher Timeform Rating than Geesala did when successful 12 months ago. Two of that four are Lily's Angel and Vocational who are very closely matched and, while the latter is likely to have a tactical edge, it's irrelevant for placepot purposes, as they're both more than likely to make the three.

20:00 - There's no point messing about with the four-runner minor event for three year olds, Move In Time and The Thrill Is Gone have the best form and are almost certain to be scrapping out the finish.

20:30 - Vetvey might have been impressive at Redcar, but his two wins so far have been when allowed a soft time of it up front. There's no chance of that happening tonight with the determined Dr Red Eye sure to press him for the lead and I expect the latter to come out on top if it turns into a duel up front. The patiently-ridden Alensgrove would be sure to benefit in the event of them going off hard, so he's the other selection.

21:00 - Finally, the last leg doesn't seem the ideal race for a banker, particularly as there's now only two places up for grabs, but I'm of the view that the fast-improving Caravan Rolls On can't be kept out of the first two. He had plenty in hand when winning at Leicester last Monday and the stiff Beverley finish is bound to suit his strong-galloping style.


Selections: 48 lines
18:30 - 7, 8
19:00 - 1, 3, 8
19:30 - 3, 7
20:00 - 3, 4
20:30 - 4, 8
21:00 - 1

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Chevanah is a sister to a couple of useful sorts out of a maiden in the US. She won a maiden at Ripon earlier this month by a neck from Blue Shoes, getting on top late, but that form falls well short of what is required now.

Dozy is a half-sister to several winners including the useful mile-and-a-half winer Without A Trace. She created a good impression when winning at Nottingham earlier in the month, idling near the finish, and looks a useful prospect.

Lily's Angel is unbeaten in three starts, improving each time, getting up late in the Lily Agnes at Chester last time despite missing the break. This stiffer five furlongs will be in her favour and she is open to further progress.

Majestic Rose is a half-sister to three winners, including the useful five furlong winner Lucky Leigh. She beat two subsequent winners cosily on her debut at Kempton and any step up on that form should put her right in the mix.

Queens Revenge defied a sluggish start when off the mark at the first attempt at Ripon last month in a yard her yard often targets with one of their better early two-year-olds. That form has worked out well and she looks a leading player.

Van Go Go is a speedy sort who was won three races already, but she looked out of her depth in the Lily Agnes at Chester and it will probably be the same story here.

Vocational showed a good attitude to make a winning start at Warwick earlier in the month and improved a good deal when making most in a listed race at York next time She sets the standard here and likely has more to offer.

Rano Pano is the first foal over a mile winner in the US. She went through the ring twice and fetched plenty both times, but she's being thrown in at the deep on her debut.

Tip Top Gorgeous was a cheap purchase who dam has had limited success at stud so far. She is another who is being asked a very tough question on debut.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1.    Queens Revenge
2.    Vocational
3.    Lily's Angel

Timeform View: An interesting race in which it is not easy to split form picks Vocational and Lily's Angel. Both have already run to a level good enough to win this most years, but there are other unexposed types that also merit consideration, none more than Queens Revenge who could hardly have won in better style at Ripon.

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Dubai Hills did well switched to seven furlongs on fibresand this winter, bagging a four-timer. He proved himself as good back on turf when third in the Lincoln, and it's easy enough to excuse his more recent Newbury flop when caught wide.

Snow Bay is a prominent racer who is in the form of his life, completing a hat-trick over C&D last month. He has lost nothing in defeat since but was behind second-home Dubai Dynamo over C&D last time.

Bea Remembered got off the mark when making all in a mile maiden at the Curragh in June. She wasn'tt disgraced in listed/Group 3 company after, but looks too high in weights judged on his recent first start for this stable.

Suits Me is a reliable front runner who was second to Snow Bay over C&D on his first start for this yard in April. He was a solid fourth at York last time, but that doesn't alter the fact he's better on polytrack.

Ginger Jack gradually climbed the ranks in handicaps last year, staying on powerfully to register a fourth win over a mile at Musselburgh in July. He was sold for 70,000 gns and needed his first run for this new yard recently.

Saint Pierre was progressive on polytrack last year, both his wins coming at seven furlongs (maiden and handicap). He pulled like a mustang and paid the price on his return/turf debut, but even so remains relatively unexposed.

Lord Aeryn is a progressive handicapper, who was won four of his ten starts, and ran a career best when second to Nelson's Bounty in a big-field handicap at Ascot last time. He is up another 4 lb for that but still holds leading claims.

Prince of Dance was unbeaten in three starts in 2009, including a listed race over a mile. He was nowhere near as good last year and was a well-held seventh behind Snow Bay and Suits Me over C&D in mid-April.

Reel Buddy Star made all to land successive handicaps over a mile last summer and gets extra credit for his most recent back-to-form Redcar second, finding trouble prior to finishing strongly. He is dangerous to dismiss.

Dubai Dynamo took advantage of a falling mark over seven furlongs at Thirsk last month, and has been a good second both starts since, the latest over C&D when coming from further back than ideal. He is another who is hard to ignore.

Bowmaker improved when dead-heating over seven furlongs on the AW in February. He was back near his best last time when a keeping-on second at Lingfield (turf) off this mark, and he has a fair chance of staying this longer trip.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Bowmaker
2. Dubai Dynamo
3. Lord Aeryn

Timeform View: This could go one of many ways, but Bowmaker is unexposed and may be worth chancing on his first try at a mile. Dubai Dynamo, Lord Aeryn and Reel Buddy Star all hold decent claims as well.

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