Tipping / Timeform / 14 April 2010 /

The Craven Stakes sees some potential classic contenders put their reputations on the line. Timeform rate their chances here...

Critical Moment produced a very encouraging display on his debut and built on that when getting on top close home in a maiden at Newbury. He finished a creditable fifth in a Group 3 there on his final start at 2 yrs but this looks tougher still.

Dancing David built on his initial promise when scoring comfortably in a mile maiden at Newbury last autumn. He showed better form again when fourth in the Racing Post Trophy but he has work to do with Elusive Pimpernel on that evidence.

Dubawi Phantom was placed in a Group 3 as a juvenile but he was well held at that level on his last two starts, and will need to have improved significantly over the winter to trouble some in this field.

Edinburgh Knight justified market support on his return (only second start) in a seven furlong maiden at Lingfield and he was then very impressive in a Wolverhampton handicap last time. This a much tougher task but he can't be ignored.

Elusive Pimpernel won a red-hot seven furlong Newmarket maiden on his debut and left that form well behind when taking the Acomb Stakes at York. He produced a fine effort when second in the Racing Post Trophy and he is the one to beat on his return.

Lucky General was a three-time winner in his first season of racing, notably landing a big-field sales race at the Curragh on his final start. His stamina for this trip has to be taken on trust, though.

Markazzi was a 300,000 gns yearling who confirmed his debut promise when landing a Leicester maiden last September. He was disappointing on his final juvenile start, albeit poorly drawn, but it's unlikely we have seen the best of him.

Mont Agel got going late on at Yarmouth on his debut and he confirmed that promise with a smooth success at Windsor in October. His form so far is well behind some of these but he's open to plenty more improvement.

Morana finished runner-up in two decent maidens before winning a Group 3 at Ascot over this trip. He was behind a couple of these in the Racing Post Trophy though, and he needs to learn to settle if he's to progress.

Verdict

Elusive Pimpernel was right up there amongst the best of his generation last season and he can make a winning return to action. Dancing David wasn't far behind him in the Racing Post Trophy and that might well be the case again, while Edinburgh Knight is going the right way and could reach a place at rewarding odds.

The Timeform Free Form Site offers tips and advice for every race every day in Britain and Ireland. To visit simply go to www.timeform.com/free

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: