Sagaro Stakes: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Sir Graham Wade can land the Sagaro for Mark Johnston

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to a competitive renewal of the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot...

Askar Tau is a quirky sort but still smart on his day, as he showed when second in Goodwood Cup and C&D Group 3 last year. Won this race in 2011 and no surprise to see bold showing on return to action. 

Buckland's form has taken off on AW in recent weeks, winning 4 times at up 1m and excellent second upped to 2m last time. Further progress needed at this level, though, and has to prove he's as effective on turf.

Caucus posted a smart effort when registering just second career win in 2m Newmarket listed race in September. Still pretty unexposed at this sort of trip and likely to be in shake-up on return to action.

Solar Sky was second in Queen's Vase over C&D as a 3-y-o and stepped up even on that form when third in Goodwood handicap for Sir Henry Cecil last summer. Goes in first-time cheekpieces on debut for new yard.

Steps To Freedom is pretty smart over hurdles and on Flat, making winning reappearance in Dundalk handicap in February. Good third in 1m Curragh listed event last time and now up to 2m for first time in this sphere.

Tres Rock Danon is one of the top German stayers of recent years, winning 2m Hamburg listed event for Waldemar Hickst last July. Blinkered first time on debut for new yard and won't be far away if close to his best.

Handazan has not really progressed over hurdles after winning at Aintree on second start but showed he's still capable of useful form on Flat when third in 1m Nottingham listed event last month.

Sir Graham Wade developed into a smart stayer in second half of 2012, winning Old Borough and Mallard handicaps before landing listed event in France. Probably needed run on reappearance and better expected now.

Earth Amber won a maiden in France for Alain de Royer-Dupre last year and left that form behind when second to Testosterone in Nottinghan listed race on debut for new yard. This demands even more, though.

Estimate was progressive last year, winning Queen's Vase over C&D and good third in 1m Group events next 2 starts. Step back up in trip will suit on return and good chance of further progress after just 5 starts.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Sir Graham Wade
2. Estimate
3. Caucus

Timeform View: A competitive renewal of this Group 3 prize. Sir Graham Wade was behind a couple of these rivals on his Nottingham reappearance but almost certainly needed the run that day and can get back on the up here, with 2m expected to suit him really well. Estimate is another progressive stayer and should be thereabouts along with Caucus and Steps To Freedom.

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