Timeform Daily Race Preview: Wednesday March 18, Kempton, 7:50

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 18 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform take a close looked at the runners for the Kempton Park Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes (Class 2)...

The first running of this contest has attracted a high-quality field, no doubt helped by the guarantee of a place in May's Kentucky Derby to the winner. Shampagne heads the Timeform ratings, but less exposed sorts such as Close Alliance, Mafaaz and Haashed also make plenty of appeal.

Agente Parmigiano: Easy winner of 6f Yarmouth maiden which has worked out, though he didn't go on himself from that at two years and he looks likely to prove best over sprint trips.

Akhenaten: Ran well twice in pattern company last year and made winning return in 3-runner minor event at Wolverhampton, needing only to be pushed out and looking as though he's got more to give.

Close Alliance: Easy to back and overcame greenness when winning 1m maiden at Great Leighs, scoring shade cosily off steady pace. First 3 behind him all won next time out and he looks a good prospect.

Deposer: Held his own in good company last year, his fourth to then stablemate Square Eddie over extended 1m at Keeneland his best effort. Could prove vulnerable to less-exposed sorts here.

Haashed: Well backed and looked pattern performer in the making when winning 1m maiden at Lingfield in November with ease. Warrants utmost respect for in-form yard.

Keeptheboatafloat: Highly tried since winning maiden at Ripon on second start. This doesn't look any easier and not bred to stay this far.

Mafaaz: Had Guineas prospect Evasive back in third when making successful debut here and was then fifth to Donativum in sales race at Newmarket. Bred to stay this far and will do better.

Markyg: Unbeaten in two starts here, following win in 1m maiden with ready success in 7f handicap last month, quickly settling matters. Extra 1f to cope with now but capable of better still.

Mastery: Created big impression when winning maiden at Nottingham over extended 1m before improving amidst greenness when third in minor event at Newmarket. Bred to stay further and looks smart prospect.

Shampagne: Had busy first season but won four times (including all three starts on AW), his best effort coming when giving plenty of weight away in nursery at Southwell. Vulnerable to lightly-raced improvers.

Sohcahtoa: Held his form in useful company at two yrs after winning maiden and nursery at Goodwood, ninth over inadequate trip in sales race final start. Has more to find here.

Spring Of Fame: Looked colt with bright future as juvenile and made it two from three on reappearance in 3-runner handicap over 8½f at Wolverhampton. Open to further progress.

Talking Hands: Kept on the go as 2-y-o, notching up hat-trick in 7f listed race at Ascot in July. Subsequently held his form without ever really threatening in better company and plenty on his plate again.

Weald Park: Runner-up twice in useful company following maiden win at Newmarket last year but has bit more to find with some of these.