Tony McFadden outlines the Timeform view for racing at Kempton on Wednesday evening.
Sprinters and stayers share star billing on a good-quality card at Kempton on Wednesday that even features a Royal Ascot winner in the shape of Who Dares Wins.
Queen Alexandra Stakes winner Who Dares Wins bids to bounce back from a lacklustre effort at Newcastle in the two-mile handicap (18:15), but the one to side with is the progressive four-year-old Amtiyaz.
Amtiyaz was unable to complete a hat-trick when only third over this course and distance last time – his first attempt at two miles – but he was a big eye-catcher having been short of room at a crucial stage in a steadily-run race.
Amtiyaz travelled well and was making headway a couple of furlongs out when he met with serious trouble in running that required him to be switched. He stayed on powerfully when in the clear but his chance had gone and he could only finish a never-nearer third, beaten two lengths by his main market rival.
The handicapper has only nudged him up 1lb and he still looks well treated, while Hollie Doyle, who was aboard for both of Amtiyaz's wins, returns to the saddle.
The chief danger to Amtiyaz could be lightly-raced six-year-old Rock Eagle.
He didn't stand much racing in the early part of his career but he has strung together a few promising efforts and arrives on the back of a course-and-distance success in November that represented a career-best performance.
Rock Eagle deserves credit for wearing down a rival that was able to dictate a steady gallop and he looks a big player here, though another modest tempo is seemingly on the cards and that could play to the strengths of Amtiyaz.
Amtiyaz won over a mile and three-quarters in a race that developed into a sprint on his penultimate start, and he looks best equipped to cope with a test of speed.
The real test of speed comes 30 minutes later when the sprinters contest the six-furlong conditions event (18:45).
Gulliver has a big chance on the figures as his two-and-a-quarter-length success in a competitive handicap at York in October represents the best form on offer.
He is 5lb clear on Timeform ratings, though he wasn't at his best when only fifth in listed company at Doncaster on his latest start and his hold-up style could put him at a disadvantage in a race lacking an obvious front-runner.
Aberama Gold exceeded expectations when runner-up at Doncaster in the listed race in which Gulliver was fifth, and he has raised his game a notch since, registering hard-fought wins at Chelmsford and Lingfield the last twice.
Aberama Gold, who gave 3lb and a beating to the reopposing Brian The Snail at Lingfield last time, is thriving at present, tactically versatile and should launch a bold bid in his attempt to complete the hat-trick.
Another runner to note on the card is Dubai Tigress in the seven-furlong handicap (17:10).
She didn't show a great deal in novice company but displayed markedly improved form when runner-up on her handicap debut over six furlongs at Wolverhampton, only just failing to get up having launched a strong late challenge.
She was unable to show her true worth over this course and distance last month, losing all chance when short of room over a furlong out, but she finished to good effect, leaving the impression she could have won with better luck. A 4lb higher mark may not stop her from gaining a measure of compensation.
Published at 1048 GMT on 06/01/20
