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

Sole Power is an out-and-out speedster

All eyes are on the sprinters at Haydock as 12 runners go to post in the Temple Stakes. Here is Timeform's runner-by-runner guide...

Ballesteros's best form has come when the mud is flying, and best effort last year when fourth in Prix de l'Abbaye in October. Opposable on return unless the heavens open.

Ballista is a front runner who was back to his very best when conceding weight all round in a listed event at Chester (5f) last time. Claims on bare form of that effort, but won't get an easy lead here.

Doc Hay improved markedly last year, winning the Portland at Doncaster and a listed race at Ascot from Free Zone. Not so good since, and well behind a few of these in the Palace House Stakes last time.

Free Zone's best effort last year was when second to Doc Hay in listed event at Ascot in the autumn, but well held in Palace House Stakes on return to action, and easy to oppose again.

Kingsgate Native is an untrustworthy performer who was revived by a switch to this yard when runner-up behind Sole Power in Palace House Stakes on seasonal return. Needs to show that he can back that effort up now.

Masamah is a front-runner who was winless last year for Kevin Ryan, and failed to come up to market expectations when second to Ballista at Chester on return/debut for new yard. Bit to prove now.

Sole Power is an out-and-out speedster who looked as good as ever when beating several of these in Palace House Stakes at Newmarket 3 weeks ago. Sets the standard, and sure to go well as long as ground remains fast.

Spirit Quartz was an excellent second to Ortensia in last season's Nunthorpe, and landed minor event at Nottingham last month. Excuses when creditable fifth to Sole Power in Palace House, and merits respect in rematch.

Swiss Spirit was progressive for David Elsworth in 2012, narrowly winning 5f Group 3 at Newbury in September. Likely to be sharper for a creditable run in Duke of York for new yard recently, and considered.

Tangerine Trees won the 2011 Prix de l'Abbaye but struggled last year. Won minor event on return, and good effort behind Sole Power at Newmarket last time, but well held in this race for last 2 years.

Reckless Abandon was unbeaten as a 2-y-o, ending season with defeat of Moohaajim in Middle Park at Newmarket in October. Will prove best as a sprinter, and every chance on his return to action.

Morawij was a smart juvenile last year, winning listed race at Sandown, and placed in Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. Excuses in stronger company subsequently, but needs to step up if he's to score on return.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Sole Power
2. Reckless Abandon
3. Swiss Spirit

Timeform View: Sole Power had several of these in his wake when winning the Palace House last time, and as long as the rain stays away, he looks the one to beat again. Main danger may be the returning Reckless Abandon, although Swiss Spirit and Spirit Quartz also merit respect.

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