Tipping / Timeform / 07 April 2010 /

We travel to Robin Hood Country where a listed contest highlights an eight-race card at Nottingham...

Ajaan has never been one to put total faith in, but he held his form well throughout a light campaign in 2009, beaten just a neck in the Chester Cup. He needs a few to misfire here, but he goes well fresh so he is considered.

Drill Sergeant won the Duke of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot last season and generally acquitted himself with credit after that. He is tough, versatile, and has run well fresh. He holds leading claims.

Halla San has not won since 2007, and his third in the Chester Cup is his only effort of note from last term. He has produced some poor efforts over hurdles in the meantime and he is hard to warm to.

Raincoat was a capable performer on the Flat for John Gosden in his younger days. He didn't run too badly over hurdles on his first start for his present yard last month, but he seems to have his work cut out here.

Shipmaster won the two-mile Sagaro Stakes at Ascot in 2008 before suffering a career-threatening injury on his next start a week later. There must be a doubt as to how much ability he retains nearly two years on.

Swingkeel was Progressive in 2009, winning decisively over two-miles at Kempton and York. He went close on his reappearance twelve months ago and he has place claims here with the conditions suitable for him.

Tastahil was better than ever in 2009, winning twice (including on reappearance). He has conditions to suit, but his yard failed to make their usual flying start to the turf season at Doncaster.

Carnac was a fairly useful performer up to thirteen-furlongs for Andre Fabre in France. He is facing a baptism of fire on his first start for a new trainer.

Montaff has been highly tried since his sole success at 2 yrs, failing to win again and often looking temperamental. He has not run too badly in Dubai this term, but needs to improve to take a hand here.

Opinion Poll is a progressive performer who is effective in the mud. He signed off 2009 with an impressive success in an Ascot handicap, and he could be a pattern performer before this season is out.

Deportment improved with each start for James Fanshawe last term, winning a handicap at Yarmouth on her final one. The new yard are likely to do well with her, but this is a big step up in class.

Verdict

Opinion Poll looks set for another good season and can return with a bang on his first start at listed level. Drill Sergeant, Swingkeel and Ajaan are all at least useful and will ensure he won't have it easy, though.

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