Timeform Daily: The Royal Artillery Gold Cup (Class 3), Sandown, 3.10

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 12 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Eight have been declared for this most traditional and unique of chases - a three-mile conditions event restricted to amateur riders who are either serving or have served in the Armed Forces. Timeform rate the runners.

On recent rules form Bannister Lane is well clear of the remainder, having shown himself to be better than ever when winning a handicap at Bangor in December from an official mark of 120. That race developed into a real test of stamina, well run on soft ground over three-and-three-quarter miles, and Bannister Lane deserves credit for having been up with the pace throughout and holding on grimly from New Perk. As is often the case with him though, Don McCain's charge threw in a poor performance on his very next start at Haydock the following month, simply acting to underline his unreliability.

Although this isn't a race normally associated with progressive sorts, Charlie Mann's Mr Big has improved to win his last two starts as Folkestone and Uttoxeter. Cheekpieces appear to be key to Mr Big, at least judged on his rules form, as he has never been out of the first two in five attempts in headgear. Mr Big's latest win required a strong ride after he had been off the bridle for much of the final circuit, though the eight-year-old responded well in the straight to make jockey Kevin Tobin's last ride a winning one. Ridden this time by Captain Harry Wallace, it must be borne in mind that for all that Mr Big is in fine form that his last win came from an official mark of 95, some 25 lb lower than Bannister Lane at Bangor.

Sir Baristas's appearances on the racecourse are rare nowadays, and he shaped as though amiss on his sole start this year at Huntingdon, though his form from the 2006/7 season puts him ahead of all bar Bannister Lane. The highlight of Sir Barista's campaign that season came at Newbury, where he showed fair form in finishing twelve lengths behind Always Waining. If remaining capable of such form Sir Barista is entitled to go close, though his stamina isn't completely proven and his jumping has often left much to be desired, no doubt something that Lieutenant Guy Disney will have to be alert to.

Triggernometry seemingly showed himself in good form when second to Le Burf in first-time cheekpieces at Wincanton last time, though in truth only three completed and Colin Tizzard's gelding was flattered by the nine lengths that separated him from the winner.

Of the other three, Heart Springs and Cruising River both have winning form from last season, though equally both have been out of sorts this term. Saddler's Blaze has showed next to nothing under rules.