Eye-catching Jacob's Time steps up at Kensington: Best tips and analysis

The lightly-raced three-year-old is a horse Alexiou and Gerald Ryan believe could find himself in stakes company later in the autumn and how he performs in the Yarraman Park Handicap (1550m) will be a pointer.

Jacob's Time clocked easily the fastest last 600m (35.11, Punter's Intelligence) as he charged into fourth beaten 1-1/4 lengths by Cadetship at Rosehill two weeks ago.

"It was a good return for him, he probably needed a hit out so he's taken good benefit from a fast run gallop,'' Alexiou said.

"He drew sticky the other day and had to go back in that really fast run race but he was strong to the line and we were impressed with what we saw.

"The only question mark is you go from a big field, fast run race, to drawing six of nine in what looks a pretty steady run race stepping up in trip.

"They probably look polar opposite maps on paper. We're just happy with how he's returned and how he's progressing this preparation."

At his second race start, Jacob's Time was able to sit handy and win a Super Maiden over 1600m on Boxing Day and Alexiou said if there's little pace he may be asked to put himself in the race.

That tactic at start two was on the back of a lucklustre trial but he appears a different horse this time around.

"We were really happy with how he trialled up this time in, a lot sharper than he normally is,'' he said.

"You've got to keep his mind on the job otherwise he tends to have a bit of a bludge."

Alexiou said take no notice of the fact Jacob's Time was nominated for the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill this Saturday, as it was a back up plan given a large number of entries for the midweek event.

However, he strikes the stable as a type who could step up to the mark as the distances increase.

"He's possibly a horse we could get out to a Frank Packer Plate if he keeps improving, or we could get a couple under his belt and if he's going to run a mile and a half look at a Queensland Derby,'' Alexiou said.

"We're still feeling our way a bit but I think he's a hose that's going to run a pretty solid 2000m, whether he gets beyond that you don't know until you try them."

Meanwhile, smart filly Arctic Glamour will be out turn around her form when she heads into Friday's Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m).

Although Alexiou said the stable was let down by her failure when 10th in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) he can be a little forgiving considering how the track was playing on the day.

"She's been running her race in patches. I was disappointed with her last furlong,'' he said.

"Happy with how she's going at home and can't really fault her but I'd like to see marked improvement stepping to 1600m.

"We're hanging our hat on that she's starting to look for a bit of a trip now."

1. Roselyn's Star gave a big sight in front on debut when run down by what looks a handy one, third horse has since been narrowly beaten in a Group 2. Imagine he'll be headed to the front again here and this looks a nice race for him.

Dangers: 3. Hezdarnhottoo has trialled up very well for a forward showing on debut and has the barrier to find the fence first and see what happens. Nice effort at Hawkesbury in the latest trial and bears close watching. 2. After Match improved into his latest trial for a solid win at Randwick on February 22 where he was holding them comfortably enough. 7. Alabama State was a bit unlucky not to go close at Kembla Grange at his third start, beaten half a length in fifth, after finding plenty of traffic. Wouldn't be surprised if he measures up to a placing at least.

How to play it: Roselyn's Star WIN.

13. Zeitung is a Godolphin filly on debut and there's been a bit to like about her recent trials, particularly the latest at Hawkesbury where she brushed home to a close second. Drawn the inside and in an open race has every chance.

Dangers: 11. Shivermepink has had a number of recent trials, including a close second to Too Darn Lizzie, and some have been better than others. Given the stable's two-year-old form this season she's best kept safe. 7. Lunaite hasn't been particularly exposed in her trials so check betting given the powerful trainer-jockey combination and soft draw. 5. Hallett is another Tulloch Lodge youngster on debut, she hasn't shown the same speed early as others but worked home well into third in her latest trial. Wide gate but again not underselling.

How to play it: Zeitung EACH-WAY.

9. Little Jeanie has been treading water for a few weeks since an eye-catching trial a month ago, she's trialled and from a perfect draw she's holding the key.

Dangers: 10. Makena had an excuse or two for her first-up failure at Rosehill when a short priced favourite after being trapped wide early, she didn't really fire at all. Back to gate one here and she could easily rebound. 4. Taipan Legend was placed on debut at Kembla and changed stables since his three start first campaign. Latest trial was sound, he's an interesting runner here and while drawn wide wouldn't leave him out. 12. Rip Off has been sound in all three runs back and while no match for the winner at Hawkesbury it was still a handy run. Each-way claims again.

How to play it: Little Jeanie WIN; Trifecta 9/4,10,12/4,10,12.

6. Cassiel has looked slick in his trials both back in the spring and more recently when he scored a soft win at Rosehill a month ago. Expect he'll use his speed to get across an if he runs up to his trials then he'll be hard to beat.

Dangers: 10. Darling Downs was solid in betting at her only start back in October and was okay finishing fourth of seven here over 1300m. Two recent trials, from a wide gate she may go back and look to run on. Keep safe. 3. Armed Forces has been gelded and comes back to a maiden after a string of runs in tougher company and finds gate one. Hard to get a guide on where he's at with the trials but will have his chance to show up with JMac and gate one. 5. Bundella has won both trials in handy enough fashion, chasing down a runaway leader to win the latest. Where he gets to from the gate is a question mark but stays under notice.

How to play it: Cassiel WIN.

6. Cigar Flick has an unbeaten first-up record and is back to Benchmark company after a string of Group and Listed runs that followed her fresh win last prep. Plenty to like about her trial, draws to get every chance and is well placed.

Dangers: 4. Introducing was a well supported favourite when he resumed at Warwick Farm but he didn't quite run up to it finishing a fair fourth after leading. Fitter for it and gets a little weight relief. Capable of better. 1. Lavish Empire is always dangerous and has been freshened up since a midfield finish on Magic Millions Day at the Gold Coast where he wasn't disgraced. Can run well fresh. 3. Portray is a handy mare on her day though she hasn't won for a little while. Couple of recent trials have her fit to put in a nice fresh effort and she could show up.

How to play it: Cigar Flick WIN; Trifecta 6/1,3,4/1,3,4.

9. Jacob's Time was a real eye-catcher when he resumed in a fast run race at Rosehill, hitting the line with gusto when it was all over for a close fourth. Capable of rolling forward up in trip if need be. Up and comer who can be competitive.

Dangers: 4. Infinitive has been freshened up since an even fourth at Randwick just over a month ago, that was on the back of a close second to Hell Hath No Fury fresh. Tickover trial since those runs and she's one of the main chances. 6. The Years was placed in the Black Opal this time last year, game effort first-up behind a smart stablemate then favourite and led when fifth at Canterbury. Should be on the speed and can take running down. 3. Spaltet gets the blinkers on now fourth up after an improved third at Kembla two weeks ago. Worth including in the chances.

How to play it: Jacob's Time EACH-WAY.

1. Angel Fund is racing in top form and while she's up in weight on her Midway placing last time it says she's not badly placed. Can give away a start so it'll be interesting to see how gate one helps or hinders but she's entitled to be in the finish.

Dangers: 6. Amoreaux was far too good in winning her maiden before running fifth at Canterbury when she seemed to have her chance. Down 2.5kg here and entitled to another look. 10. Miss Couver can be a bit hit and miss but this is a lot easier than the Group 2 she took on first-up. Led there and was no match but showed last time in she's capable of measuring up. 2. Konasana might find this a bit sharp fresh since the Wakeful but she's drawn to do no work and could sprint well first-up.

How to play it: Angel Fund WIN.

7. Earth Dance is the big query, an import on debut with a nice quiet trial under his belt. Wide draw probably not a help but there should be a genuine enough tempo to allow him to settle back and run on. Watch betting for a push.

Dangers: 1. Sonora had things her own way in front and delivered with an easy all the way win at Canterbury five weeks ago. Drawn to be prominent again and is one of the main chances. 2. Romeo's Choice can't be left out, he's never far away. Down a notch in grade after fourth at Rosehill behind Gently Rolled. Won't be far off them at the finish. 10. Firestorm is another question mark, a Kiwi first-up for the Waller yard and her trials have been on the quiet side so hard to line up. Betting tells us more but has the chance to show up from the inside gate.

How to play it: Earth Dance WIN.