TimeformBlog

[b]Astrolog[/b]y was impressive on 2-y-o bow and better efforts when third in Group company on next 2 starts despite displaying a degree of temperament. Can do better still if those quirks can be ironed out. [b]Bonfire[/b] is a half-brother to Musidora winner Joviality, and looks a high-class colt himself, beating Cubanita on debut before a good third to French Fifteen in French Group 1 in October. Sets the bar pretty high. [b]Kingsdesire[/b] followed easy AW maiden win with a defeat of 10 rivals in a Doncaster handicap over this trip on reappearance. Form of that race has worked out, and he's well worth his place at this level. [b]Oxford Charley[/b] won a 1m maiden at Salisbury on debut in September, and back on an upward curve when fourth in Feilden Stakes at Newmarket (9f) last...

[b]Wigmore Hall[/b] landed a Grade 1 at Woodbine in September, and hasn't been disgraced in top company this term. No threat behind Cirrus des Aigles in Prix Ganay last time, and possibly best on a sound surface. [b]Questioning[/b]'s win in Earl of Sefton at Newmarket has been sandwiched by creditable placed efforts this season, latest in Sandown Group 2. Has form at 1¼m, and drawn on the inside here. [b]Glen's Diamond[/b] won first 2 starts last year, including Dee Stakes over C&D. Back to form at up to 1¾m in Dubai this year, but more needed now reverting to this trip on return to domestic action. [b]Hunter's Light[/b] progressed well last year, winning maiden at Newmarket and listed races at Hamilton, Goodwood and Lingfield. Handles soft ground and has to be respected as he...

William Muir's [b]Cruiser[/b] has kept some good company in this year and has generally performed with credit, including when sixth in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. Perhaps his most eye-catching piece of form is a close second to Directorship in another handicap at Ascot in July. Cruiser was arguably a bit unlucky that day in that he was forced to wait for a gap, but even if he was beaten on merit it's a strong piece of form (the winner went in in a big field at Newbury next time) which gives him excellent claims off the same mark at Sandown (15:55). Cruiser has run just respectably on his last two starts, but has excuses in that the trip wasn't suitable on either occasion and, returned to what looks his optimum distance this afternoon, he should go close. One of the more interesting...

[i]13:45[/i] - Only three places up for grabs in this now, not that that changes the approach needed for the placepot. Amethyst Dawn will hopefully have derived some benefit from her reappearance at Ripon because she's the obvious low-drawn speed in this and might take some pegging back if she can get into a rhythm. It's best to find something that's going to be settled behind the pace to pick up the pieces in the not unforeseeable event that they go too quick and My Kingdom, who is having his first start for David Nicholls, fits that billing. [i]14:20[/i] - Glen's Diamond didn't really handle Musselburgh last time even though he hacked up, so there's a slight doubt about him around Chester, but he's definitely a pattern horse and is well capable of ruffling the feathers of his Southern-trained...