Timeform Daily: Saturday 23rd May, 2:50, Newmarket

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 22 May 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform head to HQ to run the rule over the field for the King Charles II Stakes...

A peak-form Donativum would take some toppling here, but whether he returns for Godolphin in the same heart as when starring for John Gosden last autumn remains to be seen. He's taken on with Craven fourth Alyarf, who has bags of speed and will be more potent at this shorter trip. Nasri also enters calculations if forgiven his reappearance effort.

Captain Ramius was unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile, all over the trip of seven furlongs; he was disappointing on his reappearance for a new stable and looks to have plenty on his plate under a penalty here.

Donativum turned the corner with a vengeance once gelded last year. He won a very valuable sales race here and the Breeders Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita. He has since moved to Godolphin and must have a leading chance if fully wound up.

Alyarf coasted home in a six furlong maiden at Haydock last year and he travelled well when fourth in the Craven Stakes on his return, finding one mile beyond him. It would be a surprise if there's not more to come at this shorter distance.

Courageous improved with each start in 2008 culminating with a fifth in a Doncaster Group 1 on his last outing. He Finished lame on his return, though, and one or two of these look classier anyway.

Nasri progressed well last summer, and is closely matched with Donativum on his third to that rival in a sales race here in October. He may have found soft going against him on his return and he shouldn't be written off.

Thunderous Mood progressed after winning his maiden last year. He lacked sharpness on his return last week, though, and goes into unknown territory at this trip.

Baileys Cacao was fourth in the Rockfel last year and showed similar form when she was pipped in a fillies and mares Group 3 at Lingfield a fortnight ago. She is up against it here taking on the colts.