Timeform Daily: totesport.com Sovereign Stakes (Group 3) (1), Thursday August 13, Salisbury, 4.15

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

"Laa Rayb has his quirks, but a productive 2008 included victory in a top handicap at Ascot and a French Group 3. Blinkers sparked a revival when routing rivals in a strong handicap last time. He is a leading contender."

Confront's latest second represents the best form on offer and he has to go well, while Ordnance Row has a good record in this contest and is another to consider. Laa Rayb bounced back to his best with an imperious display in a strong Goodwood handicap last time and can gain another Pattern-race success.

Mac Love's new stable has got him back to something like his best and he got up late to win an Epsom Group 3 in June. He was out of his depth at Royal Ascot last time but this is more realistic. A penalty makes life tough, though.

Confront is now fulfilling his early promise and his latest second in an Ascot Group 2 was another career best. He is likely to prove even better at ten furlongs in time but has to be respected under these conditions.

Khateeb is a lightly-raced type who posted a smart effort to win a conditions event at Nottingham in June and improved again when beating Orizaba at Pontefract last time. More is needed here but he is going the right way.

Laa Rayb has his quirks, but a productive 2008 included victory in a top handicap at Ascot and a French Group 3. Blinkers sparked a revival when routing rivals in a strong handicap last time. He is a leading contender.

Ordnance Row is a tough and reliable performer who won a listed event at Windsor in May. He has been first and second in the corresponding race in the last two years and should go well once more.

Without A Prayer developed into a smart performer at 3 years, culminating in a nine-and-a-half furlong listed race win in France. He got back to winning ways at Windsor in June but was well held upped to Group 2 company last time.

Orizaba won twice for Mick Channon as a juvenile, including the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. He put in a respectable effort behind Khateeb last time but an easy lead would seem to offer the best hope this time.