Fitness again the issue as talented Tempus bids to overcome long absence

2.25 Newbury
Unibet You're On Handicap | 1m | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

Following on from the Golden Mile and the Shergar Cup replacement race at Ascot last week won by Via Serendipity, this is the latest warm Saturday handicap over a mile. Naturally, the competitiveness has dampened down, but probably not by as much as might be expected.

The real standout in terms of potential is Tempus. By Kingman from a smart if occasionally quirky Juddmonte family, he has run only once in 14 months. That run was an improved showing on his handicap debut when he left the impression that the experience and run will bring him on. Fitness is again the question a bit more than 300 days on.

Most of the others should be familiar to us. Afaak had been running better than form figures suggested prior to taking third from a wide draw in the Golden Mile, Orbaan flits between handicap and Pattern races and won at York last month, while Kasbaan keeps faring well in these good races and was caught away from the action at Ascot last week.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to note from a pace angle is that it is all the relatively unexposed sorts who are likely to be pressing on. Tempus has twice made all in his four career runs, three-year-olds Overwrite and especially King Carney frequently go forward, and there have been signs of the same from Pride Of America.

Having the experience and the tactically important positions switched around means that the first few furlongs will be as much a worthwhile watch as the closing stages.

Analysis by Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Afaak and Jahbath
Afaak ran a great race to be third at Goodwood last time and is back down to the mark off which he won the Hunt Cup last year. Jim Crowley has picked him and he will enjoy the track and the ground. Jahbath has had his issues, but Richard Kingscote was very complimentary about him when he rode him at Haydock and William Haggas is pleased with his work.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of King Carney
He's lost his way a little bit since winning the Listed Tankard Stakes at Pontefract last year so we've had him gelded and dropped back to a mile. Any further ease in the ground would be a major plus.

Chris Dixon, co-owner of Kasbaan
He's come out of his race last week well on which occasion we thought he ended up on the wrong part of the track. He has an each-way chance.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Khalid Abdullah, owner of Tempus
He's been absent until now with some foot issues so the cut in the ground will help his chances.

Harry Bentley, rider of Modern Millie
I've sat on her at home and she's a nice filly who ran a decent second at a big price at Newmarket last time. She's up in grade but if she comes forward again she should be in the mix.

Harry Dunlop, trainer of Pride Of America
He's a nice horse and ran very well to be second in a conditions race at Clairefontaine last time. To be honest I hope they don't get too much more rain as he likes it on top.

Reporting by David Milnes

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