Features / Timeform / 07 July 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

CORAL.CO.UK HANDICAP (3)

This was a good three-year-old handicap and, though the market might have suggested otherwise, there was plenty of strength in depth to it, both first and second being fast-improving horses, and the race as a whole appealing as worth keeping an eye on...

"There is plenty more to come from him and on this evidence he'll stay one mile, despite his quite speedy pedigree."

The winner, Kakatosi, looks the right sort for moving into better handicaps, progressing all the time, and with a similar proile to Kalahari Gold, who did so well for the same stable as a three-year-old in 2008. Kakatosi won his maiden comfortably at Lingfield having shown plenty of promise previously at Newbury. He won this race with a bit to spare, and threatens to remain ahead of his mark for some time yet.

He was chased home by another improver in Mass Rally. This John Gosden-trained colt chased home London Stripe prior to two polytrack wins last year, and has immediately picked up where he left off. He was easy to back after an extended absence but shaped really well, coming from last of all. There is plenty more to come from Mass Rally and he will stay a mile, despite his quite speedy pedigree.

Oil Strike won a Lingfield maiden as a two-year-old, and has raised his game in just two starts this year. He had every chance here, having been fairly handy throughout, and performed creditably up against a well-handicapped pair. He may well be able to pick up a slightly less competitive handicap off this mark.

Fourth home Imperial Delight has improved plenty already this season, breaking his maiden easily at Brighton before prevailing narrowly over the same course and distance as this race. He has perhaps reached his limit by now, as he ran well but was overwhelmed by less exposed 3-y-os.

Eton Forever made a big impression when winning a Kempton maiden earlier this season, beating Afsare, who has subsequently won three races including the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. Eton Forever is perhaps not as promising as first thought, but there's time yet for him to thrive, and he ran quite well here in finishing fifth, moving upsides briefly to challenge, and possibly at a slight disadvantage by racing widest of all up the straight.

Tags: Eton Forever, Imperial Delight, Kakatosi, Mass Rally, Oil Strike, Sandown