Winter Derby: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Timeform
21 March 2014

Jeremy Noseda: Trainer of Grandeur.

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Timeform assess the field for the Group 3 Winter Derby...

"Grandeur looks the class act here and arrives with the ideal preperation having won the trial over C&D 4 weeks ago..."

Anaconda has shown useful form on AW, and put 2 below-par runs behind him when making all in 1m handicap here in November. Good third behind Grandeur in trial here last time but no reason why he'll reverse the form.

Aussie Reigns is a hold-up performer who needs things to go his way. Holding his form well but likely to come up short at this level.

Chil The Kite didn't manage to win last season but largely held his form well, including in a couple of Group 1 events. Not seen to best effect at Meydan this year and capable of being involved.

Circumvent finished third in Winter Derby in 2012 but was below form all 3 starts last year. Easy to look elsewhere.

Dick Doughtywylie was not disgraced on the whole in 2013 in pattern/listed company, ending the year on a high when seen to maximum effect in listed race over C&D (tongue tied). Will find this tougher.

Farraaj was smart as a 2-y-o but lightly raced since. Looked as good as ever when winning this event last year on return but disappointed at a higher level last twice. Can be expected to bounce back.

Grandeur was a dual Grade 2 winner in 2012. As good as ever last year, landing listed race at Goodwood before luckless passage in Hong Kong Cup. Landed odds in C&D trial last month and one to beat. Cheekpieces on.

Mirsaale booked his place in the Derby field with success in the 1¼m trial at Epsom. Didn't cut much ice in the big race, however, and also comfortably held in listed event at Sandown when last seen in July.

Premio Loco won 3 pattern contests in 2012, including this event, and just as good last year despite having only a minor event win to his name. Effective on polytrack, and likely to have needed recent return.

Rebellious Guest is in excellent heart at present, taking to this trip well when recording his third win of the year in Kempton handicap last time. Taking a big step up in class now, though.

Robin Hoods Bay wasrRunner-up in this last year and back to that level to win C&D handicap. Unlucky not to finish closer in trial behind Grandeur next time and has to be respected.

Vodkato is a useful performer in France. Won minor event at Saint-Malo in 2013 and creditable efforts in defeat last 5 starts. Career best needed on British debut.

Windhoek was a tough sort for Mark Johnston last year, improving throughout a busy campaign and winning twice in the process. Made a winning start for Godolphin when getting up late at Meydan on return and player.

Tinshu is a useful operator on this surface, and holding form well of late. Not up to this level, however.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Grandeur
2. Farraaj
3. Premio Loco

Timeform Verdict: Grandeur looks the class act here and arrives with the ideal preperation having won the trial over C&D 4 weeks ago. He's been done no favours with a wide draw, but should still prove difficult to beat. The last 2 winners of this race, Farraaj and Premio Loco, are feared most.