Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 30 September 2008 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

A select field of seven line up for this conditions stakes over six furlongs, limited to
juveniles. The field comprises an interesting blend of progressive sorts graduating from
maidens and those who have already tried their hand in higher grades.

Richard Hannon's two-year-olds have been in cracking form of late and he saddles two in the race. The most intriguing of the pair is the once-raced Mamlakati, who is returning from a break of just over two months following her debut. That run came at Windsor, where the daughter of Invincible Spirit won by three parts of a length from Poyle Meg despite a slow start. That blip at the stalls was practically a lone sign of inexperience, however, and it is likely that Mamlakati has more physical than mental development forthcoming. With improvement likely, she is sure to put up a bold show.

Hannon's other hope, Ginobili, has made his last three appearances in similar events following a debut victory at Sandown in July. Although not having won since, there was no shame in going down to subsequent listed winner Desert Phantom on his second start and unlucky to be beaten by useful stable-companion Daddy's Gift on the latest. His two best runs have come at this trip, though both were on ground much softer than he 's likely to face here.

Undoubtably the best piece of form in the race belongs to Ouqba, who finished a close-up fourth in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster's St Leger meeting last time behind smart performers Westphalia and Zacinto, as well as the useful Playfellow. That run was over a furlong further than he faces here, though he broke his maiden in a similar event to this over six furlongs at Newmarket in July. He sets a standard which would be good enough to win most similar contests.

Qalahari took until the third time of asking to get off the mark, but when she did it was visually striking, a facile twelve-length victory over limited rivals at Bath. Stepped
up to seven furlongs when tackling a Group 3 last time, she appeared not to get home on the more testing surface. Back on good to firm ground over six furlongs, a repeat of her maiden form would ensure Qalahari isn't far away.

Wildcat Wizard took the scalp of the useful Firth of Fifth on his debut and followed up with another win in a minor event at Doncaster. He has made the frame in listed events on his two starts since without improving (ran freely on both occasions). Although his last three runs have been at seven furlongs, Paul Cole's colt should prove equally effective back at this shorter trip.

The other two make limited appeal. It Must Be Love is making her debut, but does not stand out on pedigree whilst Spanish Baron has been progressive in maidens, winning a four-runner event at Lingfield last time, but rather looks out of his depth at this level.