Timeform 1-2-3 
/ Adam Brookes / 16 July 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Johnny Murtagh shows his Steely side on Deacon Blues at Royal Ascot.
"Despite never having run in a race of this grade, Deacon Blues is actually top on Timeform ratings, even against the likes of Group 1 winners Markab and Regal Parade."
The song 'Deacon Blues' peaked at number 19 in the US Billboard Chart of 1978, but victory for the horse bearing the same name today could propel him even higher up the leaderboard of Europe's top sprinters...
It's becoming increasingly apparent that the space between top handicappers and pattern performers in sprint races is very narrow and Deacon Blues can prove the point in the Group 3 Shadwell Stakes at Newbury this afternoon after his success in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot last time. Despite never having run in a race of this grade, Deacon Blues is actually top on Timeform ratings, even against the likes of Group 1 winners Markab and Regal Parade, and with no trip, ground or recent form concerns, he's a strong selection with Frankie Dettori (3 wins from his last 6 rides) in the saddle.
Whilst Deacon Blues will be relatively well known after his exploits in recent years, Stan Moore's juvenile Purple Affair may not be after having had just three modest starts in maidens. However, Purple Affair's most recent outing, when fifth to stable-companion Crowning Star on the all-weather at Lingfield, suggested there should be plenty more forthcoming when switched to nurseries and he gets the chance to prove that opinion correct back there this evening off a very light weight.
Finally, we finish up north where the much improved Ingleby Exceed goes in the mile handicap at Haydock. David O'Meara's filly sailed home when upped to seven furlongs at Catterick last time and with the further trip increase (and 6 lb weight rise) not expected to pose a problem, it will be disappointing if she can't take care of a fairly exposed field in the hands of the superb Silvestre de Sousa.
Recommendations
Back Deacon Blues @ [4.0] Newbury 14:20
Back Purple Affair @ [5.5] Lingfield 18:25
Back Ingleby Exceed @ [5.2] Haydock 19:40
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Three selections for Friday's meeting at Haydock Park....
Three bets for Thursday from Timeform's Free Form Site......
Three selections for Wednesday's action from the Timeform Free Form Website....
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