Stampede was an impressive winner on handicap debut at Windsor and he can defy a 7 lb rise in the weights to win the ten-furlong three-year-old handicap at Redcar (15:40). Having shown run-to-run progress without winning in maiden company, Stampede took a big step up on his handicap bow, winning with plenty in hand as he stayed on strongly in the final furlong. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Stampede is certainly in the right hands and he should continue to stay one step ahead of the assessor.
Luca Cumani has enjoyed success in the Zetland Gold Cup (16:15 Redcar) of late having sent out Forte Dei Marmi and Danadana to win, and there is good chance that Ajmany can further enhance his impressive record, making it three wins in five years. Ajmany seems to have his kinks (always blinkered) but he certainly made a positive start to his four-year-old campaign, finishing a close-up second in a competitive nine-furlong Newmarket handicap, staying on extremely strongly in the closing stages. Ajmany probably has a bigger performance in him, with the step back up to ten furlongs expected to suit, and he is worth backing this afternoon.
Saigon City shaped like the best horse at the weights when reeled in close home at Nottingham last time and he can gain compensation in Windsor's ten-furlong handicap at 16:40. Saigon City appears to possess plenty of ability - if looking somewhat ungainly on occasions - and he seems to be getting the hang of racing with experience, progressing well in blinkers at present. He looked to have the race in the bag at Nottingham, taking up the running a couple of furlongs out, but he proved vulnerable in the finish to a patiently-ridden rival and was headed close home. Saigon City still has more to offer and Adam Kirby, who takes over in the saddle this afternoon, could be the man to draw that improvement.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Stampede @ 2.6813/8 in the 15:40 at Redcar
Back Ajmany @ 5.04/1 in the 16:15 at Redcar
Back Saigon City @ 2.915/8 in the 16:40 at Windsor
