Timeform Daily: Sagaro Stakes, Ascot, Wednesday 15:40

Race of the Day
/
Timeform /
26 April 2011 /
Leave a Comment

Will the Queen’s colours be carried to victory in the Sagaro?

“Free Agent was better than ever in 2010, winning twice and ending the season with an excellent second in a listed race over CD.”

In the week of the Royal Wedding, Free Agent will aim to give the Queen a winner at Ascot in the 2m Sagaro Stakes….

Aaim To Prosper landed 3 staying handicaps in 2009, and ended last year on a high when taking the Cesarewitch. Would be better off with every rival were this a handicap.

Akmal was highly progressive in 2009 and better than ever when winning Group 2 at Sandown last May. Failed to convince with attitude since, and worrying way he was brushed aside by 3 of these on return.

Askar Tau was one of the leading stayers in 2009, completing Lonsdale/Doncaster Cup double but quirky and not at best in 2010. Travelled best of quartet here that met at Nottingham, and should strip fitter now.

Buxted won his first 3 races on AW in impressive style and confirmed he handles turf when creditable fifth to Harbinger in Group 3 at Newbury. Not seen since October, and easily career best the requirement.

Free Agent was better than ever in 2010, winning twice and ending the season with an excellent second in a listed race over CD. Mugged on the line by The Betchworth Kid on return, but expected to reverse form.

Rajik was better than ever last year, completing quick-fire hat-trick prior to an excellent fourth in the Irish Leger. Return to this trip is fine, and much depends on whether he’s fully wound up.

The Betchworth Kid is a hold-up stayer/useful hurdler who has contested top handicaps in both codes over the last year. Mugged Free Agent and Askar Tau at Nottingham on return, and the return to 2m will suit.

Theology has stamina in spades on evidence of his second in Queen’s Vase over CD in June and set 2 stiff tasks later that season. Gelded since, but must return at top of his game against race-fit rivals.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Free Agent
2. Askar Tau
3. The Betchworth Kid

Timeform’s View: The listed event at Nottingham earlier in the month looks the race to focus on. The Betchwork Kid emerged vicotrious on that occasion, but there are reasons for thinking both Free Agent and Askar Tau can reverse the form. Free Agent gets the nod.

Timeform Daily: Tuesday, Yarmouth 16:10

Timeform go through the field for this intriguing seven-furlong handicap……

Timeform Daily: Monday, Warwick 15:35

A small but select field for this seven-furlong minor event……

Timeform Daily: Sandown Classic Trial, Sunday 15:50

It’s been a while since the Sandown Classic Trial has had a significant bearing on what’s happened at Epsom, but today’s race should at least throw up a few to follow…….