TimeformBlog

[b]Signor Sassi[/b] (14.20) has been a beaten favourite on his first two starts but can make it third time lucky in the opener at Newcastle. Sent off at 1.57 last time at Windsor, Signor Sassi was no match for Gary Moore's Shamahan, but that one looks a useful prospect and certainly among his rivals today that have previously raced there doesn't appear to be anything with the same promise. Signor Sassi's debut second at Newmarket looks very strong, as he just failed by a head to Gung Ho Jack, since a winner of a nursery off 79, while the third and fifth have won maidens in the meantime. If handling the softer conditions today, Signor Sassi seems sure to go close. Thriving hurdler [b]Sansili[/b] (16.40) can break his duck on the Flat at Bath. He scored for the third time in four starts...

[b]Maastricht[/b] showed marked improvement under an enterprising ride when getting off the mark at Beverley (8.5f) recently. Bred to stay this far, so could figure again under his penalty. [b]Glee[/b] was gradually progressive in nurseries since opening account at Goodwood (6f) in May. Stamina seemed stretched to limit over 1m last time, though, so doubts whether this test will suit. [b]Snowed In[/b] got back on track when leading close home in a 7f Wolverhampton claimer last month, but well beaten only previous try in a nursery and stamina far from assured upped markedly in trip here. [b]Shark In The Sea's[/b] first worthwhile form was when a keeping-on fifth in a 1m Kempton maiden last month. More emphasis on stamina sure to suit now going handicapping, so not ruled out if blinkers...

[b]Western Aristocrat[/b] (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 [b]Federation[/b] (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...

We begin at Bath with Johnny Portman's [b]Courtland Avenue[/b], a two-year-old who caught the eye when fifth of 15 to Son du Silence in a maiden at Windsor on his debut a month ago. Whilst the merit of that performance is only modest, the form looks relatively strong, with two next-time-out winners (including Dixie's Dream, who finished just a neck ahead of Courtland Avenue) and three of those who finished behind the selection improving significantly since. Regarding today's race, King's Ciel and likely improver Uncle Roger are undoubtedly big dangers, but the form of the yard (two winners in the last 3 days) and the booking of Harry Bentley, suggest a big run should be expected from Courtland Avenue. The second advised bet is progressive sprinter [b]York Glory[/b], who goes in the six...