/ Timeform / 03 September 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Dream Ahead: Can he win Group 1 number four?
"Dream Ahead could well have landed a favourable pitch close to the trail-blazing Masamah and the July Cup winner is taken to add a fourth Group 1 to his CV"
Timeform run the rule over the six-furlong Haydock Sprint Cup...
Bated Breath made excellent progress in 2010 and has been even better this year, winning twice and being beaten only half a length by Dream Ahead in July Cup. He raced on the wrong side in the Nunthorpe last time and looks a major player here.
Dalghar made up into a really smart six-and-seven-furlong performer for Alain de Royer-Dupre last year, but is yet to hit top form in 2011, often failing to convince with his attitude. This looks a stiff enough task for him in a first-time hood.
Delegator made a fine return to action when beating a few of these in the Duke of York Stakes in May. He hasn't been seen to best effect on either of his starts since, including in the July Cup, but is dangerous to rule out if conditions remains on the firm side.
Doncaster Rover tends to race lazily, but has been broadly consistent this year and was as good as ever when winning a seven-furlong listed race at York last month. He is likely to bounce back from a below-par effort at Goodwood last time but others look stronger here.
Genki is a smart hold-up sprinter who has returned better than ever this year, winning at Newmarket listed race and a Group 3 at Newcastle. He has run creditably in Group 1 company at Newmarket and Deauville the last twice.
Hitchens made a smooth transition from top-end handicaps to listed company late in 2010 and took a further step forward when winning a Group 3 in Ireland in May. He was an excellent third in the July Cup last time and commands plenty of respect.
Hoof It has been hugely progressive this year, proving himself a top sprinter with a high-class effort in the Stewards' Cup in July. He wasn't seen to best effect in the Nunthorpe last time and is much respected back at six furlongs.
Kingsgate Native is a high-class sprinter on his day and has two Group 1 wins on his record. He ran well when second in the Temple Stakes on his reappearance and was back to form when fourth in the Nunthorpe last time, but more is needed to score here.
Masamah is a front-runner who has proved better than ever this year, winning a handicap, a listed race and a Group 2, all over five furlongs. He did the best of those drawn on the wrong side in the Nunthorpe last time, but looks up against it.
Society Rock is a smart sprinter who better last year's Golden Jubilee second when winning the same Royal Ascot Group 1 this time round. He had three of these behind him when runner-up in the Prix Maurice de Gheest last time, too.
Sole Power proved his 100/1-success in the 2010 Nunthorpe was no fluke when landing this year's Temple Stakes here. He hasn't been in the same form since, only finishing third in a Group 3 at the Curragh last Sunday, and is unproven beyond five furlongs.
Tiddliwinks ran above himself when placed in the Duke of York and Greenlands Stakes in May, and belatedly gained a first turf win in a minor event at Nottingham last month. HE was outclassed at this level last time.
Dream Ahead was a high-class two-year-old who was most impressive when when winning the Group 1 Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes in 2010. He confirmed he is just as good this time round when beating Bated Breath in the July Cup and has a big chance if over whatever ailed him when below form at Deauville last time.
Elzaam was just collared in the Coventry at Royal Ascot as a two-year-old and the return to six furlongs had a positive effect when routing his rivals in a listed race at Newbury. His fourth in the July Cup gives him place claims but is difficult to predict.
Wootton Bassett has an excellent two-year-old season, winning all five of his races, including the Group 1 Grand Criterium at Longchamp. He ran his best race this year when a front-running fifth in the Prix Maurice de Gheest last time, but needs to better that here.
Bewitched is a strong traveller who had a great 2010, winning five times over six furlongs, including a brace of Group 3s. She made a winning return at Leopardstown but reportedly pulled a muscle when a well-beaten favourite for the Golden Jubilee last time.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Dream Ahead
2. Hoof It
3. Hitchens
Timeform View: A competitive renewal. While the draw may play a part, Dream Ahead could well have landed a favourable pitch close to the trail-blazing Masamah and the July Cup winner is taken to add a fourth Group 1 to his CV. Hoof It will prove himself at this level before long and heads the dangers, along with course and distance winner Hitchens.
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Timeform give their verdict on a competitive seven-furlong handicap at Haydock......
Timeform run the rule over the six-furlong listed Dick Poole Stakes......
There are some unexposed three-year-olds on show in this handicap over a mile......
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