TimeformBlog

Timeform's UK SmartPlays kick off the week at today's afternoon meetings, staged at Ripon and Kempton...

Today's race at Ripon offers Gala Casino Star (15:15) the chance to complete a four-timer, running under a penalty following his nine-length win at Nottingham on Thursday. The gelding, who joined Geoffrey Harker's this season, is thriving since the reapplication of a visor, and under regular jockey Jordan Nason should be able to follow up today. His win last week was the best performance of his career and though Demoliton, who won this handicap in 2010 and placed second last year, is likely to have been set up with this race in mind, Gala Casino Star looks hard to beat on the good to soft going on which he's proven.

Ace of Valhalla looks the pick of the pack in a competitive maiden this afternoon (16:45 Ripon). The three-year-olds seem to hold all the cards in this contest with representatives from several top trainers, but Sir Henry Cecil's runner is expected to get off the mark after just missing out by a head last time. Although three times a runner-up, the improving colt has shown a good attitude and shaped well after three months off on his handicap debut at Sandown. His pedigree- by Authorized and half-brother to the useful mare, Trick Or Treat - suggests the step up in trip should suit for Ace of Valhalla to take his chance to improve his trainer's already impressive strike-rate at the track.

At Kempton, Shy Rosa (17:30) has the chance to go one better than her half-length second to Fast Or Free- since winner of the Britannia Stakes- at the track last time out in May. Marcus Tregoning's filly seems to have found her feet on the all-weather and fitted with a first-time hood, she should make the most of her handicap debut. C&D winner Oblitereight, who has been in good form of late, is probably her biggest danger, but if Shy Rosa comes back well from her break she is going to be hard to beat.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Gala Casino Star @ 3.55 in the 15:15 at Ripon
Back Ace of Valhalla @ 2.16 in the 16:45 at Ripon
Back Shy Rosa @ 4.5 in the 17:30 at Kempton


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Timeform offer a runner-by-runner guide to the King George Stakes, a Group 2 sprint over five furlongs at Goodwood...


Ortensia improved again when winning Al Quoz Sprint (turf) in March. Performed below expectations in King's Stand and July Cup, but not one to write off at this slightly easier level.

Amour Propre is a 3-time winner at Group 3 level and chased home Masamah in this race last year. Disappointing both runs this term, however, and more to prove than most.

Confessional proved as good as ever when landing 5f handicap at Chester in May. Stepped up on that when third in a Group 3 in July, but well behind Hamish McGonagall at York last time and this tougher still.

Elusivity produced a career-best ¾-length third to subsequent July Cup winner Mayson in Palace House Stakes in May. Didn't need to match that when resuming winning ways last time, but this more competitive.

Hamish McGonagall is a smart performer who is getting better with age, responding with usual gusto when bagging a listed contest at York last month. Only a matter of time before he gains his first success at this level.

Humidor progressed well last year, highlight being listed success at Doncaster in September. Not at best this time round, failing to beat a rival on return from a break last month.

Masamah is a smart sprinter who dominated proceedings when beating Amour Propre in this race last year. Spark missing both outing this time round and opposable on repeat bid.

Noble Storm is a speedy performer who won 2 of his 4 starts in 2011, namely a handicap and a listed race. Not scaled the same heights heights this year and slightly out of his depth here.

Pabusar is far from consistent but had one of his better days when chasing home Hamish McGonagall in a 5f listed race at York last time. Capable of reaching a place if turning up in a similar mood.

Secret Asset has twice placed in Group 1 sprints, latest in Singapore in May, but well below that level with hood refitted in King's Stand in June and others boast more pressing claims.

Spirit Quartz has taken form to a new level for Robert Cowell, finishing in front of many of these in King's Stand at Royal Ascot, but only fourth in a Group 3 last time and may find a few too strong once more.

Stone of Folca was better than ever when landing Epsom 'Dash' on reappearance in June, but never involved when having sights raised in King's Stand at Royal Ascot and something to prove at this level.

Tangerine Trees was successful 3 times in 2011, improving again to land Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye in October. Usual zip back in evidence before fading in King's Stand in June and likely to be spot on this time.

Beyond Desire produced a career-best when making all to land second win of the year in 5f Group 3 at Longchamp in May. Below par when unable to dominate at this level last time and similar scenario probably in store.

Stepper Point was a winner of a listed sprint at Longchamp in 2011. Below par since finishing a place in front of Hamish McGonagall in Group 2 at Chantilly in June, but claims if blinkers rejuvenate him.

Angels Will Fall built on her free-going Windsor return when narrowly landing a 5f listed race at Ayr in June. Remains unexposed at this trip, but more required to get seriously competitive here.

Excellette got back to winning ways when fending off Spirit Quartz in a 5f listed race at Haydock in June. Just as good when third to Angels Will Fall at Ayr last time, but this demands even more.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Tangerine Trees
2. Hamish McGonagall
3. Ortensia

Timeform View: It is surely only a matter of time before the admirable Hamish McGonagall makes a breakthrough at pattern race level and this could well be the day. However, preference is for Tangerine Trees, who went with all his old zest before fading late on in the King's Stand and is likely to be cherry ripe now. Ortensia and Stepper Point complete the shortlist.



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No less than 23 line up for this ultra-competitive and very valuable handicap. Read on for Timeform's view...


The Real Article is a classy hurdler who won 3 times last term, including Grade 2s at Tipperary and Down Royal. Laboured effort in Grimes Hurdle last time and beaten favourite in this last year from 23 lb lower mark.

Moon Dice's form took off switched to handicaps last term, landing this race off a 16 lb lower mark. Ran well in Greatwood Hurdle in November, but below form when last seen and softer conditions a worry.

Captain Cee Bee is a high-class chaser who proved he's still a force over hurdles when landing Grade 3 event and was a creditable second to Rebel Fitz in the Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary on latest.

Rebel Fitz A smart hurdler who landed Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary last time, beating Captain Cee Bee and The Real Article. Conditions will suit and may still have more to offer.

Sailors Warn A mart hurdler who was back to winning ways when landing minor event at Limerick (2¼m) in October. Solid efforts in handicaps the last twice and recent spin on Flat should have put him right for this.

Whatever Jacksays has been much improved of late, making all to record wide-margin victories at Wexford, Punchestown and Cork in April/May. Steep rise in weights since, but won on Flat debut last month and can't be ruled out.

Whatuthink one-time smart hurdler/chaser who broke long losing run when beating Alpine Eagle at Down Royal last time, dictating. Successful on the Flat since, but others look more solid options.

Benash useful hurdler who ran well over fences in May and has posted two creditable efforts on the Flat of late. Should give another good account, but appears to have little in hand of current mark.

Fosters Cross strong traveller who is better over hurdles than fences. Second to Moon Dice in this race last year and put recent fall behind him when running well on Flat on Monday. Others make more appeal, though.

Oilily better than ever when winning minor event at Cork in March and good fourth at Killarney on reappearance. Won on Flat since, but never threatened here on Monday and this looks too competitive.

Karabak isn't the force of old, below form all 6 starts for Edward Harty, and makes little appeal in a race as competitive as this.

Tornedo Shay a useful hurdler who ran right up to best when landing minor event at Punchestown in May 2011 when last seen in this sphere. Well held in Flat race here on Monday, though, and needs to improve.

Drive Time won all 3 completed starts over hurdles and made winning debut for this yard when landing 18-runner handicap at Punchestown in April. Followed up on Flat earlier this month and major claims.

Plan A Boasts a decent strike rate over hurdles and better than the result when fourth in County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March (Sailor's Warn third). Ran well on Flat when last seen in April and not easily dismissed.

Rattan took well to hurdles, winning at Ballinrobe and Sligo last season. Ran well when second to Satu in handicap at Killarney on return, but this is much tougher and looks stable third-string.

Run With The Wind a useful novice hurdler who belatedly got off the mark at sixth attempt in minor event at Ballinrobe in May before following up in novice at Killarney last time. Makes handicap debut and respected.

Lexi's Boy has won 4 times over hurdles, further improvement when beating Sadler's Risk in handicap at Sandown in April. Fit from Flat and will handle conditions, but faces plenty of competition up front.

Princeton Plains developed into a useful hurdler last year, winning at Killarney, Galway and Listowel, and also finishing a good fifth in this race. Landed gamble on Flat in June and one for the shortlist.

Blazing Tempo is last term's Galway Plate heroine who went on to score twice in graded company. Had excuses when below form last time, though interesting from lower hurdles mark, this trip may prove too short.

Unknown Rebel won 4 handicaps on the Flat in 2011 and showed fairly useful form over hurdles last term, landing juvenile at Market Rasen in November. Comes here fit from Flat, but this looks too stiff a task.

Cause of Causes is a fairly useful hurdler who won maiden at Kilbeggan in May and improved when landing minor event at Downpatrick in July. Interesting from this mark and claims if getting a run.

Discoteca is useful on the Flat and jumping has improved over hurdles recently, making it 4 in a row when outpointing Dibella upped to 2½m at Bellewstown. Ran poorly here on Monday, though.

The Way We Were landed a 2m Leopardstown maiden hurdle in December and improved when runner-up in handicaps both starts since, beaten by Vast Consumption at Fairyhouse on latest. Can't be dismissed.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Drive Time
2. Princeton Plains
3. Whatever Jacksays

Timeform View: The unexposed Drive Time landed a well-contested handicap at Punchestown in April and comes here having confirmed his well-being with a comfortable success on the Flat earlier this month. Princeton Plains, Sailor's Warn and Blazing Tempo are all capable of being involved and look the most likely dangers to the selection.


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Edinburgh Knight has produced fine runner-up efforts last 2 starts, splitting Libranno and Majestic Myles in Group 3 at Newmarket on first occasion. Ran poorly in 6f Stewards' Cup on sole previous outing at Goodwood.

Firebeam is a progressive gelding who ended 2011 with comfortable success in minor event at Haydock. Good second there on reappearance and not disgraced in 6f Group 3 at Newbury last time. Up in class.

Libranno had the run of things when beating Edinburgh Knight and Majestic Myles narrowly in 7f Group 3 Criterion last time. Chance if allowed to dictate again, but was only fourth in this race 12 months ago.

Mac Love has been a grand servant down years. Not quite the force of old, but showed he still has something to offer when third in Diomed Stakes at Epsom last time. This tougher still, for all he goes well here.

Majestic Myles was a good third in Group 3 Criterion before landing a listed race at Chester (for second year running) in mid-July. Only seventh in this race 12 months ago, and likely to find others stronger again.

Chachamaidee is a smart sort who won at York and Goodwood (Oak Tree Stakes) in 2011. Successful return in Group 3 at Lingfield and arguably unlucky when beaten only a neck after slow start in Royal Ascot Group 2.

Foxtrot Romeo ran well on only his fourth career run when finding only Power too strong in Irish 2000 Guineas in May. That form not really worked out, and only sixth in Group 1 at Royal Ascot since, but down in grade now.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Chachamaidee
2. Foxtrot Romeo
3. Libranno

Timeform View: Chachamaidee has looked better than ever in her 2 runs this campaign, arguably unlucky when neck second to Joviality in Group 2 Windsor Forest at Royal Ascot last time, and compensation awaits. The 3-y-o milers look a less-than-vintage crop this year, but Foxtrot Romeo is the only runner in the field down in class, and he's a danger, with the drop in trip likely to suit.

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Mr David struggled to string 2 good runs together since his 6f Newmarket maiden win for Brian Meehan in 2009. Operating below best this season, and hopes rest on first-time blinkers galvanising him now.

Zacynthus is yet to recapture spark he showed for Mahmood Al Zarooni in 2011, finishing nearer last than first in 6 starts for Alan McCabe. Starts off for Luca Cumani now, but has plenty to prove.

Frognal was back to winning ways in C&D handicap in October and still on a fair mark. Entitled to come on for reappearance but not the most straightforward and others make more appeal.

Flynn's Boy was successful 3 times over 7f in 2011, and belatedly back to best when fourth of 15 over C&D last time. Not beaten far there, and a repeat would put him firmly in the picture.

Rough Rock is a course specialist who was back on the scoreboard at Newmarket (1m) last month. No obvious excuses when a creditable fourth over C&D last time, but never one to rule out at this venue.

Dozy Joe has not won since juvenile days, proving more miss than hit this year. Looks up against it in a race like this on turf.

Mubtadi was inconsistent for David Simcock last year and hasn't gone on after a promising start for current yard. Visor didn't motivate him when tried last time, and not of any great interest now.

Main Beach made most of drop to selling company at Redcar in June for Toby Coles. Better effort for new yard when fifth over C&D last time (Flynn's Boy fourth), and not discounted with cheekpieces now tried.

Red Bay improved when getting up late to make winning start in handicaps at Kempton (7f) in December, but off since, and needs to step up on turf efforts if he's to make an impact on belated return.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Flynn's Boy
2. Main Beach
3. Rough Rock

Timeform View: Most of these are out of form, and the pair to concentrate on are Flynn's Boy and Main Beach, fourth and fifth in a more competitive C&D event last time, with the former taken to confirm placings from that day. Rough Rock can never be left out of calculations here, either.

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Thistle Bird is a lightly-raced filly who was better than ever in a first-time hood when winning 5-runner 1m Windsor listed race on reappearance. More needed under penalty but could easily have more to give.

Beatrice Aurore progressed well last season, winning in handicap, listed and Group company before signing off with second in Italian Group 1. Three decent efforts so far this term and likely to be in mix again.

I Love Me is a lightly-raced filly who won valuable Newmarket sales race on debut at 2 yrs. Very good fourth in Coronation Stakes last June but yet to fire in 2 runs back this term. Risky proposition.

Moone's My Name followed up seasonal debut win at Windsor in April with creditable fourth over C&D next time. Improved again to win at Newmarket last month and worth her place in this stronger event.

Night Lily is a patiently-ridden mare who got back to winning ways in handicap at Lingfield in February. Fair efforts in defeat since (out of her depth latest), but better on AW than turf.

Raasekha is lightly raced, winning C&D maiden last July, and in frame in listed company both starts this year. Took another step forward when third of 6 at Goodwood on latest, but more required now.

Free Verse landed a Windsor maiden on debut, and added a 7f Catterick nursery to her haul at 2 yrs. Impressive in Newmarket handicap last time and claims if as effective on the quicker ground.

Pimpernel was never out of first 3 last year, winning 4 times, including Newbury listed race on final outing. Not at very best this year but did run better over C&D at the Royal meeting and can't ignore.

Villeneuve improved with each start at 2 yrs, ending with a creditable sixth in listed race at Newmarket (6f). Not good enough in Group/listed races this year though, and hard to fancy here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Moone's My Name
2. Pimpernel
3. Beatrice Aurore

Timeform View: Pimpernel and Beatrice Aurore are both effective at the track and have plenty of form at this level but it might be worth taking a chance on an improver from the handicap ranks, with Moone's My Name selected on the back of her Newmarket win.

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All On Red won twice earlier in season and was a good third to Master of War in Newbury listed race last time, all in the mud. This trip should suit but has to prove she's as effective on less testing ground.

Amazonas made a winning start at Yarmouth in early June, and improved in defeat when fourth of 14 to Newfangled in the Albany at Royal Ascot since. Will be suited by 7f and one of more likely types here

Fantacise confirmed earlier promise when winning a Pontefract maiden in blinkers, and ran as well as could be expected when fifth in the Cherry Hinton since. Limitations exposed by that run, though.

Go Angellica is a Kheleyf half-sister to connections' 2-y-o 6f winner My Lucky Liz. Overcame inexperience to make winning debut at Doncaster (6.5f), getting up late. Stamina is assured and sure-fire improver

Miss You Too is a Montjeu filly, dam closely related to Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow. Off mark at second time of asking in 7f York maiden despite hanging badly. Surprising if she doesn't have even more to offer.

Mollyvator was a promising second on York debut and duly went one better when pulling clear of her rivals at Haydock next time. Virtually certain to be even better over this extra 1f and merits plenty of respect.

Purr Along is a half-sister to 3 winners, a couple of them useful. Did a demolition job on her rivals when making a winning debut at Wolverhampton (7f) and well worth her place up at this level.

Rayaheen is a daughter of 1000 Guineas heroine Natagora who overcame greenness to make an impressive winning debut in 6f Nottingham maiden last month. Capable of coping with this immediate step up in class.

Roz's dam was a 7f (at 2 yrs)/1m winner, out of half-sister to Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Suave Dancer. Improved from debut to win 7f Kempton maiden but surprise if she can take some of these scalps.

Savanna La Mar made a good debut and made no mistake to land the odds in a 7f Chester maiden since. Gutsy from the front that day and capable of better for yard which won this last year.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Rayaheen
2. Mollyvator
3. Amazonas

Timeform Verdict: A good renewal of this listed race in which the superbly-bred Rayaheen is fancied to follow up her impressive winning debut at Nottingham. Mollyvator won easily at Haydock last month and can make her presence felt up in grade, while Albany fourth Amazonas is another who can't be left out of calculations.

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Lingfield stages a pair of 1½m maidens containing several well-bred, late maturing types representing powerful yards, and although undoubtedly quirky, Sir Michael Stoute's gelding Scottish Vespers (15:40) looks set to get off the mark at the fourth time of asking. Placed on all his previous outings in similar events this year, the application of a visor here should prove beneficial for this son of Dylan Thomas, who boasts the best form on show in this race.

Half an hour later and teaming up with William Haggas, with whom he has a better than one-in-three strike rate, Moore takes the ride on the steadily progressive District Attorney (16:10) in a handicap over the same distance as the preceeding event. In receipt of weight from all seven rivals and likely to improve for the step up to this trip, headgear is tried for the first time, which may give him the edge in an otherwise tight-looking heat.

A busy day for Moore could conclude in triumph at Sandown as his final scheduled ride Jacob Cats (20:05) looks primed to follow-up a stylish C&D success in May. Having raced only at six furlongs beforehand, the increased distance that day brought about an improvement on previous efforts and, in a race where many of his rivals look thoroughly exposed, he can take another step forward here en-route to bigger things.

Back Scottish Vespers @ 2.05 in the 15:40 at Lingfield
Back District Attorney @ 5.7 in the 16:10 at Lingfield
Back Jacob Cats @ 3.25 in the 20:05 at Sandown

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Dutch Supreme improved on debut to win 6f maiden at Kempton in May. Built on that when going down narrowly in handicap there following month and unsuited by run of race here last time. More to come still.

Usain Colt left debut form behind when scoring impressively over 6.5f at Newbury last October (form franked since). Best not judged on reappearance effort and remains a horse with potential.

Johnno got better with experience as a juvenile, culminating in a win at Wolverhampton (7f) in October. Run well on all starts this year, successful over C&D last time, and 5 lb rise fair enough.

Solar Deity won over 7f on debut at Kempton in November. Blinkers didn't help on slower ground than previously last time, and a bit to prove on the back of that.

Sir Glanton put up a couple of creditable efforts in face of stiffish tasks since debut win at Goodwood (6f) last May. Not got much in hand of the assessor though and hopes rest on hood having galvanising effect.

Oblitereight improved to get off the mark in 7f minor event at Kempton on seasonal reappearance, beating Mayo Lad with plenty in hand. That form not worked out though and others stronger.

Kinloch Castle won Southwell maiden final 2-y-o start and more progress when close third at Musselburgh (1m) on return. Unable to continue the good work since and handicapper looks to be in charge.

Sheikh The Reigns placed twice in maidens last October and didn't need to improve when off the mark at Kempton in November. Respectable effort at Epsom last time but vulnerable in this field.

Stirring Ballad is a half-sister to Coronation Stakes winner Balisada. Showed promise on first 3 starts and didn't need to improve to get off the mark at Folkestone last time. Handicap mark looks stiff though.

Tenbridge put up consistent efforts on AW and improved to take soft-ground 13-runner Lingfield handicap last month. Couple of respectable efforts there and at Windsor since, but more needed in this field.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Dutch Supreme
2. Usain Colt
3. Johnno

Timeform Verdict: Dutch Supreme remains open to a bit more improvement and didn't have things go his way when third to Johnno over C&D last time. He is taken to reverse the placings on these revised terms. Usain Colt is another who may still have more to come and he can chase the selection home.

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In the opener at Musselburgh (14:00), Christmas Light stands out to get punters off to a winning start. She won a handicap at Redcar off a BHA mark of 68 last term when trained by David O'Meara and caught the eye last week when returning to that kind of form on only her second start for Brian Ellison, short-headed by Locantanks in a Beverley handicap. The winner that day defied a penalty to score at Ripon on Saturday and Christmas Light will be hard to beat off a 2 lb lower mark here.

Griffin Point (19:35, Ffos Las) had been showing little, and slipping down the weights, before a set of blinkers changed her fortunes last time. She travelled smoothly and showed a much better attitude than she had previously this year when chasing home in-form Festival Dance in a five-furlong handicap at Newbury. A reproduction of that effort will see her go close again here.

Over the sticks, Wait No More's time may have come again in Bangor-on Dee's seventeen-furlong handicap chase (19:45). He was back to his very best when winning at Ffos Las in June and, turned out quickly, he was a creditable second to Benny's Well at Worcester last time. His stamina gave way a little there so he is more than likely to be better off now dropped in trip. His jumping is a real asset and he has to be followed given both his current form and lack of credible opposition.

Back Christmas Light @ 3.05 in the 14:00 at Musselburgh.
Back Griffin Point @ 2.98 in the 19:35 at Ffos Las
Back Wait No More @ 4.1 in the 19:45 at Bangor-on-Dee.

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