Race of the Day / Timeform / 24 July 2011 /

Timeform run the rule over this sprint handicap...

Medicean Man is a reliable hold-up sprinter who had a bit in hand when beating Sohraab by half a length over course and distance last time. A 5 lb rise for that shouldn't stop him from being competitive.

Duchess Dora is a speedy sort who is thriving at present, winning her last two starts (both at five furlongs) . She could well have more to come.

Liberty Lady is enjoying a fine year, winning five-furlong handicaps in April and May. She seemingly improved when second in a Cork listed event last month but failed to back it up last time and her handicap mark looks high enough now.

Swiss Cross improved to win handicap at Brighton in May and Epsom in June. He made no impact in the Wokingham here last time and soft ground is a worry, as is the drop to five furlongs.

Swiss Franc is quirky but did at least end a losing run stretching back over four years in six-runner handicap at Newmarket earlier this month. His overall record doesn't suggest he's likely to follow up in this better race.

Poppy Hull is lightly raced for a four-year-old and looked a filly on the up when winning a six-furlong handicap at Goodwood last month. She has been disappointing at Newmarket since but has the speed for this trip and could bounce back.

Sohraab impressively cashed in on his sliding mark at Salisbury in June and wasted no time putting a below-par effort behind him when second to Medicean Man over course and distance last time. He makes the shortlist again.

Perfect Blossom was a revelation in 2010, reeling off six handicap wins. She hasn't been at her best on either start this year and is liable to bounce back at some point, though her very best form has come under quicker conditions.

Lost In Paris is a consistent front runner who got back to winning ways at Musselburgh last month and followed that with a creditable third to the reopposing Duchess Dora at Chester. He needs a career best to land this.
Judge 'n Jury has gone winless since landing a valuable even over course and distance in 2009 and seemingly isn't quite the force of old these days, for all he's often performed respectably, including when third to Swiss Franc last time.

Your Gifted is an in-foal filly who is enjoying an excellent year, winning four times in all and running as well as ever when third in a competitive handicap pat the Curragh last weekend. She should hold her own again.

Murura improved for first-time blinkers when winning a five-furlong handicap at Newmarket earlier in the month on his final start for James Hartnett. He has joined a leading yard so it's not out the question that he could have more to offer.

Ebraam has generally saved his best for the all-weather but showed he's still capable on turf when winning at Bath last time. He is only 2 lb higher but this is a much better race.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Duchess Dora
2. Medicean Man
3. Sohraab

Timeform View: The likes of Your Gifted and Lost In Paris should ensure there's plenty of pace on and that could set things up nicely for Duchess Dora, who looked a filly on the up when travelling strongly to win at Pontefract last time. Recent course and distance 1-2 Medicean Man and Sohraab should also make their presence felt.

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