TimeformBlog

Red Cadeaux is a tough and reliable sort who was placed in some of the top races in 2011, and back to winning ways in Yorkshire Cup. Good placed efforts in Coronation Cup/Hardwicke since, and big player.

Dandino continued his improvement early last year, winning a Group 2 at Newmarket. However, just respectable efforts when placed in listed races for new yard this term, and looks vulnerable back up in grade.

Fiorente showed smart form when runner-up in both King Edward and Gordon Stakes at 3. Has failed to reach that level in 3 runs this term, though, and opposable for all yard has superb record in this event.

Harris Tweed is a smart performer who ran up to best when winning Group 3 at Newbury on return. Put in place by Red Cadeaux in Yorkshire Cup last time, but 3 lb better off with him now, and any rain would be welcome.

Jakkalberry was formerly trained in Italy where he won 3 times in 2011. Has made positive start for this yard, running well when third in Sheema Classic before respectable fifth in Hardwicke. Much respected.

Joshua Tree has been a smart and versatile international performer for various stables, and efforts this year suggest he's as good as ever. Tongue tie fitted now and comes into the reckoning.

Modun progressed into a smart performer for Sir Michael Stoute in 2011, winning a Group 3 at Kempton (1½m). Fourth in Nad Al Sheba Trophy at Meydan on return, but soft ground would be a big worry.

Quest For Peace was progressive in 2011, bagging Roscommon listed race for Aidan O'Brien and Group 3 at Ascot for this yard. Good efforts in face of stiff task first 2 runs this term but flopped in Hardwicke last time.

Sea Of Heartbreak is a smart mare who often gives her running, landing listed/Group 2 events (1½m) last season. Shaped as if all was not well on her return in May, however, and career best required up against the boys.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Red Cadeaux
2. Jakkalberry
3. Harris Tweed

Timeform View: Red Cadeaux has won or been placed on each of his last 7 starts, including 4 times at Group 1 level, and makes the most appeal despite his 3 lb penalty. Jakkalberry has been performing well on the international stage and is feared, while Harris Tweed will be a big threat if the ground becomes testing.

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Lingfield holds a mixed turf/all-weather card this afternoon and the concluding maiden on the polytrack gives the consistent Jack Of Diamonds (17:30) a good chance to get off the mark at the seventh time of asking. Roger Teal's charge has raced four times with credit on this surface, showing better form than the rivals he faces today in all of them, and seems sure to benefit from the drop back to six furlongs here (didn't seem to get home over a mile on turf last time), with Richard Hughes an interesting jockey booking.

In the opener at Kempton this evening, Paphos (18:20) aims to repeat his success of 12 months ago in this corresponding race. Although winless since, there are sound reasons for believing a big run is expected from the Stuart Williams trained gelding, with a eye-catching spin last week over C&D an indication that a repeat of 2011 is on the agenda.

Later on the card at the Sunbury tack, Famous Poet (20:50) looks likely to relish the step up in trip in the London Mile Qualifier. A winner here over seven furlongs in April, his subsequent runs on turf at that distance have suggested any further improvement is likely once his stamina is tested more and the combination of a handy draw and the assistance in the saddle of Frankie Dettori, fresh from his Olympic torch carrying duties, is a further plus.

Back Jack of Diamonds @ 2.6 in the 17:30 at Lingfield
Back Paphos @ 5.0in the 18:20 at Kempton
Back Famous Poet @ 4.8in the 20:50 at Kempton

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Loving Spirit looked a good prospect at 2yrs, winning 7f Newmarket maiden on debut. Struggled in 2011, but much more like it when sixth at Kempton on return. Fair run in face of very tough task last time.

The Confessor placed in some hot handicaps last year and still relatively lightly raced. Third on return at Lingfield in April but rare poor run last time and needs to bounce back to take this.

Greensward proved successful twice over this trip last autumn for Brian Meehan and bounced back to form at Haydock last time, unlucky not to finish closer when third of 12 to Tamareen at Haydock having met trouble.

Escape To Glory got back on the up returned to this trip when scoring with a bit up his sleeve at Folkestone in May. Wasn't in the same form at Newmarket (under a penalty) when last seen.

Mortitia is a useful filly but has just a 6f maiden win to her name. Did well to finish as close as she did when third in a 5-runner minor event at Leicester in May but below par last time.

Born To Surprise confirmed his debut promise when landing 7f Doncaster maiden in April. Found Craven too hot next time and almost certainly better than he was able to show at Royal Ascot last time. Can do better.

Master Mylo improved when capturing a couple of 1m handicaps last summer, but others better treated as a result and well held over inadequate 6f here on first start for new stable.

Hadaj won a 6f Newmarket maiden at 2 yrs and ran well on first 3 starts this season. Might not have stayed last time but drop to 7f not sure to suit either. Blinkers tried for the first time.

Solar Deity was a winner over 7f on debut at Kempton (AW) in November. Blinkered now following much better efforts in defeat since and still open to a bit of improvement.

Frognal got 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.

Comrade Bond got off mark in C&D handicap in October and gained first win of the year here last time. More needed to overcome 4 lb higher mark in a stronger race though.

Rough Rock is a course specialist who was back on the scoreboard at Newmarket (1m) last month. Has had excuses since then but usually plies his trade in weaker company than this.

Muarrab an expensive purchase from a good family and shaped very well on Goodwood debut in July. Built on that when easily taking a 7f AW maiden on return. Well held on handicap debut but unexposed still.

Cravat had plenty of racing as a 2-y-o, but improved towards back end, winning over 7f at Chester and Leicester. Yet to match that form in 2012 though.

Timeform's View:
1. Loving Spirit
2. Greensward
3. Born To Surprise

Timeform View: Loving Spirit ran as well as could have been expected in the face of a stiff task last time so he's chanced in an open contest. Greensward and the unexposed Born To Surprise may prove best of the rest.

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Dragonera has produced consistent efforts since winning at Doncaster (1¼m) in April, acquitting herself well when second in a listed race at Warwick last time. Proven on heavy ground, and not easily dismissed.

Law of the Range is a genuine and reliable sort who was progressive in 2011, winning 3 times including in this contest. Not discredited in pattern company this year and has claims, for all very soft ground is a concern.

Madam Macie benefited from return to front-running tactics when winning at Carlisle and Hamilton last month, looking better than ever when gaining latter win on soft ground. Worth her place at this level.

Making Eyes is a strong traveller who won twice last summer and back to best when finishing well to make winning return over 1m at Ascot in May. Fair third last time, but taking a step up in class now.

Mid Mon Lady was better than ever when touched off in Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar on debut for this yard. Behind Dragonera in listed event at Warwick last time (unsuited by lack of pace), and better expected here.

Raasekha is lightly raced, winning 1m Ascot 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.

Rhythm of Light was much improved in 2011, best effort when taking listed Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot. Off 4 months before below-par effort behind Law of The Range there last time, and should do better now.

Sos Brilliante was flattered when fifth in steadily-run Group 3 in May, and best effort since when third of 4 behind Alben Star in minor event at Haydock (heavy) on Saturday. Will likely find a few too good again.

Winter's Night was steadily progressive at 3 yrs, landing 7f Ascot handicap prior to 3 good efforts upped to 1m. In front of Raasekha at Goodwood on return, and not disgraced in Group 3 at the Curragh last time.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Madam Macie
2. Mid Mon Lady
3. Law of the Range

Timeform View: Heavy ground is a concern for last year's winner Law of The Range, while strict form choice Mid Mon Lady last won 2 years ago to the day, so a chance is taken on the in-form Madam Macie, who won easily in handicap company last time, and ought to relish underfoot conditions.

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Head Space is a horse on an upward curve, having won two of his last three starts, and he should be thereabouts once again this afternoon (14:30, Ayr). The way he travelled over course and distance last time suggested he was a horse well in advance of his mark. Head Space is duly top-rated for this afternoon's contest and he should go well with conditions in his favour. His hold-up tactics sometimes mean that a fast early pace is required, but that looks rather likely in this race.

Al Muheer was only beaten by the narrowest of margins on Saturday at Haydock and a reproduction of that level of form should definitely be enough for him to go close again in what looks a competitive handicap at Ripon (19:50) this evening. Al Muheer tends to take his races well, so the two-day break hopefully won't pose the seven-year-old too many problems, and he should be capable of adding to the list of recent successes for his in-form stable. The soft ground on offer is another positive for Ruth Carr's gelding and he looks bet of the day material with James Sullivan in the saddle.

Horatio Carter has been in good form recently and he looks capable of the victory in a race (21:20, Ripon) which arguably lacks depth. Horatio Carter has finished second in each of his last two starts and, if he is capable of producing that form again, he should have enough to land the victory in a race in for which he is Timeform top-rated. David O'Meara has been in relatively strong form in recent weeks and Horatio Carter can keep the yard's strike-rate ticking over. Izzet and Wiseman's Diamond look the two most likely dangers.

Back Head Space @ 4.2 in the 14:30 at Ayr
Back Al Muheer @ 4.3 in the 19:50 at Ripon
Back Horatio Carter @ 4.4 in the 21:20 at Ripon

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Dubai Dynamo is a tough handicapper who was back to winning ways over C&D in May. Mostly at least respectable efforts since, but only seventh at Haydock on Saturday, and is held by stablemate Al Muheer on that effort.

Al Muheer was successful at Beverley (7.5f) and Thirsk (1m) in May, and bounced back to best when beaten a head by Atlantic Sport at Haydock on Saturday. Repeat of that effort will see him go very close.

Beaumont's Party won at Chester and Chepstow in a productive 2011 campaign for Andrew Balding, but disappointing over hurdles for current yard and fared no better in a couple of Flat outings this spring.

Honeymead has not scored since 2-y-o campaign, but often in the frame in handicaps, including when fourth at Thirsk last time when perhaps ridden with too much restraint. Has no secrets from the handicapper.

Snow Bay is a front runner who hasn't been at very best for a while, but hinted at better when runner-up here in May, and latest effort in bad ground at York is best excused. Not dismissed.

Sam Sharp was off for a year before scoring on debut for this yard at Haydock last spring, and runner-up first 2 starts this year prior to fifth at Sandown last month. Should get strong gallop which suits here.

Miami Gator is a tough campaigner who bounced back to form to make all at Hamilton last month for this apprentice, but well held under a penalty at Carlisle last time and isn't the easiest to predict these days.

Satanic Beat gained reward for some solid efforts when bagging a 1m Pontefract handicap last month, and stepped forward to finish second at Ayr last time. Not guaranteed the soft lead he requires here, though.

Koo and the Gang's sole turf win gained at Redcar last summer. Dropped to claiming company when respectable third at Chester, but failed to back that up at York since.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Al Muheer
2. Sam Sharp
3. Snow Bay

Timeform View: Al Muheer was only narrowly denied at Haydock on Saturday and will go close if able to repeat that effort. Sam Sharp has been knocking on the door and should have the race run to suit, while it would be no surprise if Snow Bay went well at a track where he's got a good record.

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Moodhill (Doncaster 14:00) shaped well on his return from an eight-month lay-off when finishing third in a Newmarket maiden over a mile. Given the early speed he showed that day, and with conditions likely to be testing, it is perhaps no bad thing that he drops back to seven furlongs here. There is every chance the twice-raced son of Dansili can build on his seasonal reappearance and, if that is the case, he may prove difficult to peg back.

A chance is taken that Farhaan can provide a boost for the John Dunlop yard by taking the listed Gala Stakes (16:00) at Sandown. The trainer has suffered an extremely frustrating time of things, but the stable's long losing run was snapped at the weekend and it could just be that Farhaan will offer another fillip for Dunlop. The selection displayed promise as a two-year-old, managing to register a pair victories, and he showed that he had progressed well over the winter on his sole start this term when fourth in a strong listed contest at Newmarket. Two of the horses he was beaten by that day (Thought Worthy and Noble Mission) have gone on to bolster the form and, with William Buick in the plate, the only three-year-old in the line-up can defeat his elders.

John Dunlop is also responsible for our final selection. Tipping a horse who has been a beaten favourite on his last five outings, all of them at relatively short prices, leaves the distinct possibility of looking foolish, however, Korngold (Doncaster 16:45) is given another chance to confirm the promise of last year's Chepstow success. Now only 2 lb higher than that effort he is starting to look dangerously well handicapped, and the application of blinkers combined with the positive jockey booking of Ryan Moore could well be enough to convince Korngold to put his head in front.

Back Moodhill @ 2.88 in the 14:00 at Doncaster
Back Farhaan @ 5.3 in the 16:00 at Sandown
Back Korngold @ 6.8 in the 16:45 at Doncaster

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Junoob won twice at up to 1½m at Lingfield for current yard this year, including in a listed race in February. Below form 2 of last 3 starts, however, and bit to find in this company.

Afsare Royal Ascot winner back in 2010. Some creditable efforts in defeat since, includiing when second to Crackerjack King in Italian Group 1 when last seen in May. Considered under ideal conditions.

Biondetti Won his first 3 starts but lightly raced since. Showed smart form when fourth to Mendip in Group 2 at Meydan on return, but ran poorly in Group 1 there next time. Bit to prove on first run since.

Cai Shen Progress continued in 2011, second in the Brittania prior to making all in a 1¼m minor event at Doncaster. Ran well all 3 starts this term, doing best of those drawn low in Royal Hunt Cup last time.

Songcraft Won both outings for Andre Fabre, and further progress when winning first 2 starts at Meydan for this yard. Stiff task in Sheema Classic (visored) last time but this more his level.

Tazahum Winner of handicap and listed race here last season, but best effort came when second to Green Destiny in Group 3 at York. Pulled too hard on return in April and not to be written off.

Cill Rialaig Enjoyed finest hour when landing Duke of Endinburgh handicap at Royal Ascot in 2010. Winless since, but has generally held form well nonetheless. Not quite up to this level, though.

Farhaan Progressive at 2 yrs, winning twice and respectable fifth in Royal Lodge. Ran well when close fourth to Thought Worthy in 1¼m listed race at Newmarket on return and likely to have more to offer.

Timeform Verdict:
1. Farhaan
2. Songcraft
3. Afsare

Timeform View: A Group race in all but name with some smart performers on show. Songcraft and Afsare will both appreciate the drop in grade after running in Group 1s last time, but preference is for Farhaan, who shaped well on his return at Newmarket and can enhance what is already an impressive strike rate for 3-y-os in this event.

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Kicking things off is Klynch in the 19:45. Ruth Carr's gelding has been in fantastic form in recent weeks, winning over six furlongs at York last month prior to slamming his rivals at Hamilton eight days ago, travelling powerfully before quickening clear to score by four and a half lengths. Clearly underestimated by the handicapper that day, he appeals as still having a bit in hand in this event shouldering just a 6 lb penalty for victory, and with the step up to seven furlongs unlikely to be an issue he looks to have decent claims of completing the hat-trick.

In the next race on the card, John Gosden's Infinitum is strongly fancied to strike in the 20:20. Slowly into stride when second on her debut at Salisbury in May, the daughter of Dalakhani flew home inside the final furlong once the penny had dropped, narrowly failing to reach the winner. With significant improvement anticipated over today's longer trip (hails from good middle-distance family) this 135,000 gns purchase can start to repay connections' faith in her by taking the spoils.

Finally, it can pay to side with the unexposed Modernism in the competitive concluding handicap at 20:50. Mark Johnston's colt was down the field when last seen at Doncaster in April, but landed a fair Wolverhampton maiden on debut prior to that and is bred to be a smart performer. Given a break since, he undoubtedly has more to offer and could be the one to reward backers at decent odds.

Back Klynch @ 7.2 in the 19:45 at Epsom
Back Infinitum @ 1.85 in 20:20 at Epsom
Back Modernism @ 8.8 to win in the 20:50 at Epsom

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Rakaan improved when adding to tally at Meydan in February 2011. Probably needed the run on last month's return at Chester after a year off, and this will reveal more, though rain would be against him.

Don't Call Me signed off 2011 with success in 1m Ayr handicap on soft ground, and easily best effort this season when third in Hunt Cup at Ascot last time. Stable coming to the boil and must be of interest.

Wannabe King was successful off a 7 lb higher mark at Sandown last term and shaped well on debut for new yard in a 1¼m minor event at Ripon in April. Headgear removed following a lesser effort the following month.

Lord Aeryn has produced plenty of solid efforts in defeat having been hit hard by the assessor for his success at Doncaster in April 2011. Best to ignore latest York run and return to 1m will suit.

Alakhan is an imposing sort who returned from 17 months off with impressive success in 7f Chester handicap last September. 1½m was probably too far on latest return to action, and quickly back in trip.

Space War was a winner for John Gosden in 2010, and runner-up in big-field Doncaster handicap (1¼m) in October. Yet to fire this season, though last 2 runs over 7f were probably an insufficient test.

Eastern Hills added 4 more fibresand wins to his tally in 2011, and solid effort on turf when third at Doncaster (7f) in April. Well beaten twice since, though, and handicapper appears to have his measure.

Basseterre was a winner on debut at Lingfield in January and continued the upward curve when adding to that over C&D in May. Even better form in defeat at Ayr (lot to do) so one to keep on side.

Assizes is a well-bred colt who made the perfect start in 1m Newbury maiden last October. Efforts in handicaps this year have to go down as disappointing, even allowing for a better effort at Ayr 12 days ago.

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, though may be freshened by a short break.

Timeform Verdict
1. Bassesterre
2. Don't Call Me
3. Lord Aeryn

Timeform View: Don't Call Me has to be of serious interest having left a series of disappointing efforts behind him when placed in the Hunt Cup last time, but Basseterre remains a 3-y-o to keep on side, and he's just preferred. Lord Aeryn is the pick of the remainder back over 1m.

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