Horses To Avoid / Timeform / 03 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Skip this trio when they next run say Timeform

"John Keats has had a number of chances this year and has flattered to deceive on several occasions, often getting behind prior to finishing strongly. His effort at Ayr on Thursday was further proof that he’s vulnerable to any improving sorts as well."

The eight-year-old Desert Dreamer is worthy of plenty of credit for maintaining his consistency throughout a busy 2009 and he probably deserved his success in a Chester handicap last Saturday, but that's not to say he's one to be following next time. He's clearly as good as ever, having never won off a mark as high in the past but on the day the race seemed to fall apart for him, running on past tired horses that had set a frantic pace. The veteran should continue to give his running but a mark in the mid-eighties will prove beyond him near to hand.

John Keats has been regarded as well handicapped all year, having got competitive off much higher marks in 2008 and the fact he's finished third on his last four outings suggests he shouldn't be too long before claiming his first win of the season. However, he's had a number of chances this year and has flattered to deceive on several occasions, often getting behind prior to finishing strongly. His effort at Ayr on Thursday was further proof that he's vulnerable to any improving sorts as well.

Brian Meehan's Rakaan belatedly lost his maiden tag at Bath earlier in the week. He looked a good prospect when finishing third to Canford Cliffs in the Coventry at Ascot but has since produced several temperamental displays and he'll prove hard to place now with an official rating of 90 looking a stiff one.

Tags: Desert Dreamer, John Keats, Rakaan