Opinion Poll (19:20) is one of the toughest horses in training and his best form should be enough to see off a group of rivals in the Henry II Stakes who aren't quite in the same league as the Godolphin six-year-old. Opinion Poll has been one of the leading two-mile performers in Britain and Ireland in the last couple of seasons, the Timeform 123-rated runner winning the Goodwood Cup and the Lonsdale Cup in 2011, as well as finishing second in the Ascot Gold Cup, the Doncaster Cup and the British Champions Long Distance Cup. He is considered 5 lb superior to Times Up and, at relatively slim odds, Opinion Poll still represents a good value bet this evening.
Carlton House (19:55, Sandown) went off favourite for last season's Epsom Derby only to finish a slightly unlucky third before filling fourth position in the Irish Derby at the Curragh on what proved to be his final start of the year. He shaped as if in need of a step down in trip to ten furlongs on that occasion and that is exactly what the Sir Michael Stoute runner faces this evening, conditions seemingly perfect for his reappearance run. Carlton House looked to be a colt of great potential when winning the Dante Stakes last year but things didn't quite work out and he returns with an air of unfinished business surrounding him, this evening's race likely to be used as a stepping stone for top-level races this season.
Top Offer (20:25, Sandown) was many people's idea of a serious 2000 Guineas candidate after his impressive win in a Newbury maiden last term and he was second favourite for the opening classic until the ground went against him. He ran disappointingly at Newmarket, never coping with the testing conditions and, given his fluent action, he strikes as a colt who will be more at home on faster ground. The good-to-firm surface this evening should be perfect for Top Offer, who remains open to further progression and definitely has enough quality to see off some more exposed rivals.
Timeform SmartPlays
all at Sandown
Back Opinion Poll @ 2.6613/8 in the 19:25 at Sandown
Back Carlton House @ 1.9210/11 in the 19:55 at Sandown
Back Top Offer @ 2.942/1 in the 20:25 at Sandown
