Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 14 August 2009 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet View Market

Plenty of possibles in a strong renewal of this Group 2 contest but Border Patrol could prove the one to be with. He has progressed very well this year and looks the type to excel at this seven furlong trip. Regal Parade continues to go from strength to strength and will be a threat once more, as will the class-dropping Evasive on his first run for new connections.

Al Muheer was helped by blinkers when winning twice on the all-weather earlier this year, and the headgear was back on when landing a strong handicap at Ascot last time. This is tougher, however.

Al Qasi put in a series of creditable efforts in pattern company last season and has run fair races on both starts this year. He needs softer ground to be seen to best effect and is easy enough to swerve here.

Arabian Gleam is a dual Group-2 winning hold-up performer who's best at seven furlongs/one mile. He was no match for Main Aim at Haydock on his reappearance and was well held in a Group 1 last time. He has claims if at his best.

Balthazaar's Gift is a frustrating customer but was back on song when winning in Dubai in February and has produced solid efforts in defeat for a new stable on his last three starts.

Express Wish was much improved when winning a Group 3 at Goodwood last September, but has yet to repeat that performance and has plenty on his plate.

Palace Moon's demolition of smart handicappers at Doncaster has worked out well but he then suffered an odds-on defeat at the hands of Judd Street at Salisbury. It may be worth forgiving him that and he is capable of better.

Plum Pudding is a tough handicapper who is ideally suited by a straight seven furlongs. He enjoyed the run of the race when landing the Bunbury Cup off a lofty mark last time and will find this tougher.

Prime Defender is a very useful sprinter on his day, reappearing this term with a success at Doncaster in listed company. He ran a good second here last time but the longer trip is not sure to suit.

Regal Parade is a tough sort who has returned to his very best of late, doing well to keep Balthazaar's Gift at bay at Chester before finishing third in a Group 2 at Goodwood last time. He has place claims once again.

Tariq is a classy hold-up performer whose three wins in 2007 included the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. He has given reason to think he's just as good in a light career since but could have done better last time.

Welsh Emperor is a game performer who is at his best when able to dominate. That looks unlikely here and this is much more competitive than the conditions event he won last time.

Border Patrol got off the mark in a mile maiden at Newbury in April. He took his profile to a new level with wins in listed events in May and remains capable of better. This trip could prove ideal.

Evasive made huge strides at 2 yrs and progressed again when sixth in the 2000 Guineas. He didn't seem to quite get home over a mile last time and is interesting dropped to this trip on his first run for Godolphin.

Gallagher was runner-up three times in Group 1/2s as a juvenile and has returned as good as ever. He comfortably took care of Plum Pudding here last month but was well held last time, albeit over a mile on softer ground.

Tags: Al Muheer, Al Qasi, Arabian Gleam, Balthazaar's Gift, Border Patrol, Evasive, Express Wish, Gallagher, Newbury, Palace Moon, Plum Pudding, Prime Defender, Regal Parade, Tariq, Welsh Emperor