Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 16 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Charlie Farnsbarns is likely to make a bold bid to repeat last year's success, but could struggle to confirm recent form with Glass Harmonium, who will appreciate the likely stronger gallop. However, both may have to give best to Rio de La Plata, who looked to be approaching his peak last time and ought now to be spot on.

"Glass Harmonium is a progressive colt who showed fine turn of foot when landing 10f listed race at Royal Ascot. Only fourth in minor event here on first run since, but better expected with stronger pace likely."

Ordnance Row has been better than ever this term, winning for second time when landing 7f Group 3 at Goodwood in August. He's been below par last twice, though, and no easy task conceding weight over trip beyond best.

Stotsfold is a reliable sort who registered third Group 3 win of career at Longchamp in June. Solid efforts in top company since give him leading claims, but this trip a bare minimum for him these days.

Balcarce Nov sprang a surprise when winning 8f Haydock handicap in August before finishing a good second at Doncaster last month, but this represents stiffest task thus far and possibly better over shorter.

Ballinteni has been gelded since shaping as though back in form for current yard at Ascot last time, but looks out of his depth here.

Bushman got back on track when landing 8f minor event on July course in August and good effort when chasing home an improver last time, but he needs to pull out more to get involved in this stronger contest.

Charlie Farnsbarns put up a game effort when landing this contest last year. Set himself up nicely for a repeat when landing listed race at Newbury last time and looks a must for any shortlist.

Hebridean was successful twice at up to 12f in 2008, including at this level. Developed into a very useful hurdler over the winter for Paul Nicholls, but may find this on sharp side on Flat return.

Palavicini is an imposing colt who continued on his upward curve when landing 9f Group 3 Strensall Stakes at York in August. Not discredited both subsequent starts, but likely more required here.

Rio De La Plata was a top performer in his juvenile days and twice placed in Group 1s in light 3-y-o campaign. More like his old self when runner-up in Group 3 here last time and ought to be cherry ripe now.

Russian Sage is a classy globetrotter who won 2 Grade 1 events in South Africa in 2008. Better than ever in Dubai earlier this year, but questions to answer now, following poor run on return at York.

Steele Tango has solid efforts in frame at this level in the spring. Hasn't done too badly in the face of stiff tasks most starts since, but probably playing for place money at best here.

Supaseus (pictured) is a front runner who bounced back to very best when landing Cambridgeshire over course and distance recently, finding plenty for pressure, but has been found wanting all previous attempts at this level.

Glass Harmonium is a progressive colt who showed fine turn of foot when landing 10f listed race at Royal Ascot. Only fourth in minor event here on first run since, but better expected with stronger pace likely.

Zafisio won three times in largely progressive 2-y-o campaign, including Group 1 in France in November. Back to form when third in Group 3 at the Curragh last time and not out of this by any means.

Tags: Balcarce Nov, Ballinteni, Bushman, Charlie Farnsbarns, Glass Harmonium, Hebridean, Ordnance Row, Palavicini, Rio De La Plata, Russian Sage, Steele Tango, Stotsfold, Supaseus, Zafisio