Tipping / Timeform / 28 April 2010 /

The Sagaro Stakes is the highlight of the first Flat card at Ascot this year..

Askar Tau was one of the leading stayers in 2009, winning the Lonsdale at York and the Doncaster Cup on his first 2 starts in a visor. His yard has begun the season well, and he is a leading contender despite conceding weight all round.

Aajel is very lightly raced but he returned from a near two-year absence to win a handicap at Yarmouth impressively on his only start last term, and he is not out of place at this level. Richard Hills prefers Akmal, though.

Balkan Knight was a smart performer in 2008, placed twice in Group 2 events. He missed the whole of last year, though, and there are questions to answer after finishing well beaten in a Group 3 at Newbury on his recent return.

Electrolyser is a lightly-raced sort who won a listed race over C&D last September. He has a bit to find at this level but further progress is not out of the question given how little racing he's had.

Illustrious Blue has been an admirable campaigner who enhanced his fine record at Goodwood when landing a Group 3 last summer. He was a good third in a Lingfield handicap last time but there are big stamina doubts at this trip.

Yes Mr President is a progressive sort, producing a smart effort when winning a two mile Ffos Las handicap on his reappearance with ease. He is well worth his place in this company and shouldn't be underestimated.

Akmal was highly progressive in 2009, bagging seven wins, the final one coming in a two mile Group 3 at Newmarket. He was disappointing on his recent reappearance, though, even allowing for the trip being shorter than ideal.

Mojave Moon was a useful performer for Andre Fabre in 2009. He showed even better form when third in a handicap at Meydan in February, and he has every chance here if bouncing back to that level.

Montaff is a temperamental sort whose only win came in a Newcastle maiden. He has run with credit this year (second in Nottingham listed race last time) but it's safer to look elsewhere.

Oasis Knight made up into a useful performer last term (placed in listed company at 1¾m/2m). He was well held in the John Porter on his reappearance but the step back up to this trip should be in his favour.

Verdict

Askar Tau is likely to make a bold bid to defy his penalty with his yard going well at present, but he may struggle to concede the weight to Yes Mr President who is progressive at staying trips and wouldn't have to improve much more to be a real force at this level. Mojave Moon is another to consider.

You can also find out what Marcus Tregoning told us about his three runners here.

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