Timeform Daily: Friday July 3, 4.00, Sandown

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 02 July 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run the rule over the field for the Helical Bar Gala Stakes...

Kirklees has entries in the King George and Juddmonte International, which suggests that connections remain hopeful that he will return to top-flight company. However, he's been absent since March and Confront, who should relish this stiff ten furlongs, is taken to come out on top. Tranquil Tiger is likely to make his presence felt, too.

Tranquil Tiger is often reluctant to go to post but is a smart entire and has won five times in this grade. He stayed on gamely to beat Halicarnassus (on the same terms) by a neck on his return at Goodwood and won't go down without a fight.

Confront returned from an eight-month absence to land a valuable nine furlong Newmarket handicap and had excuses when second in a Group Three at Epsom last time. This stiff ten furlongs should be ideal.

Covert Ambition easily won on his sole start last term at Nottingham and readily beat Rattan by one and three quarter lengths on his return at Kempton last month. This is much tougher and Kirklees looks the stable number one but it wouldn't be wise to rule him out.

Democrate landed a Group Two for Andre Fabre at Longchamp last spring. He was never in the hunt in the French Derby when last seen and is now with Godolphin. He remains a good prospect but may need the run.

Guarino was formerly trained in Germany and was placed in three minor races following his debut victory. He has had a 627-day absence to overcome and, in any case, is likely to be outclassed.

Halicarnassus is a tough performer who is often highly tried but rarely disgraces himself. He has been in good form this term and it will be no surprise to see him run his usual solid race but he is likely to find one or two too good.

Kirklees was a Group One winner at two and, while he's had setbacks in recent seasons, he showed himself to be in good form in Dubai earlier this year. He probably didn't stay twelve furlongs last time.