THERE was a lot to like about the way Mark Johnston’s CLOVERDALE won at Southwell on his racecourse debut. It was a comfortable victory with an air of authority, and suggested there would be more to come. The form does look a bit suspect and he may not have beaten much, but he has been given a handicap mark of 84, and that could be generous.

Today’s extra furlong in the class 4 handicap at Redcar (3.50) should suit and he looks one of the few in the race with scope to improve. He could be a typical Mark Johnston improver capable of running up an early season sequence.

1pt win Cloverdale