Timeform Jury Stakes 2010

Haydock 3.00
Timeform Jury Stakes (Registered As The John Of Gaunt Stakes) (Group 3) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £36,900

Pick: Main Aim (win), Dream Eater (e/w)

Autumun Blades: Has made great strides but may struggle at this higher level.

Doncaster Rover: Ran two good races in Group/Listed company before a below par seventh last year on ground too soft for his liking; Stepped his form up to a new level when fourth in Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes, but extra distance and race fitness likely to suit Main Aim more.

Dream Eater: Excellent 5th in 2,000 Guineas 2 years ago before then finishing 3rd in the Jersey Stakes, suffering a setback afterwards; Has continued to run some consistent races at much higher level than this and wind operation should really help him; Has good record fresh.

Dream Eater: Smart and consistent with several good efforts last season, not least when only beaten a head by Palalvacini at York international meeting last year; Good form but likely to struggle against horses of this class at this trip.

Georgebernardshaw: Placed in Group and listed races last year but high head carriage stopped him from winning and didn’t look any better for new yard when fourth in Listed event last time.

Lord Shanakill: Good miler for Karl Burke, having landed Prix Jean Prat three starts ago and coming home fifth in the Sussex; Looked just as good for new Cecil yard when third in Sussex and will take all the beating.

Lovelace: Regained some of best form, having won last 2 starts including a listed event; Slightly flattered by winning distance that day as Mia’s Boy was interfered with but will need to step up anyway.

Main Aim: Started last year on a real streak, winning this very race, beating Arabian Gleam, Asset and Tariq. Good effort when second in Group 1 July Cup, but amiss on next 2 starts last year; Closing very fast in Duke Of York Stakes last time and likely to make bold bid to win this race.

Mia’s Boy: Runner up in 3 listed events this season and unlucky to be beaten at finish by Lovelace last time and this race is hard to win.

VERDICT: MAIN AIM will prove very difficult to beat if in the same form as when bolting up in this event last year, and his promising return suggests he's getting back on track after bombing out badly towards the end of last year. He should hold Doncaster Rover for a longer trip and race – fitness. Lord Shanakaill is the main danger for sure. DREAM EATER is an attractive e/w bet with the potential to improve a lot after a wind operation and he goes very well fresh.