
TIME for a new column. Each week we’ll highlight a few horses to follow, animals who have caught the eye and the imagination on the racecourse. Among them will be winners, horses who have been unlucky, some who are well handicapped and one or two who have yet to race. Here is this week’s list…
TRUE STORY: I was at Newmarket last Wednesday and was blown away by the manner in which True Story won the Feilden Stakes. He was visually very impressive when he quickened away up the hill to win with embarrassing ease. Obliterator and Barley Mow were firmly put in their place and are both highly rated. It is no surprise True Story sits high in the ante-post Derby betting.
TOOFI: Really caught the eye when second in the sales race over 6f, also at Newmarket. He showed a real turn of foot that he could not quite sustain and just failed to reel in the winner. He could be up to winning a decent contest over 6f or 7f and I’ll be on him next time.
MIND Of MADNESS: Was clearly expected to oblige at HQ last week but David Brown was thrilled with the way he cruised past a couple of previous winners. The National Stakes and Royal Ascot are next up and he looks very decent.
EXTREMITY: Hugo Palmer expected better from this fellow at Newbury where he was well supported. But connections felt the ground wasn’t quick enough. Being by Exceed and Excel, he should improve on a quicker surface and is one to note next time.
FEAR OR FAVOUR: The jungle drums were beating hard for Clive Cox’s three-year-old before his reappearance last Saturday and he won with the minimum of fuss. A strong sprinting type, he looks to be well handicapped and could progress on to pattern races.
FREEDOM’S LIGHT: William Buick had nowhere to go on this attractive filly on her handicap debut at Yarmouth and she flew home to be second once in the clear. She should not be missed wherever she goes next. A mark of 80 looks exploitable.
CLOUDS REST: Looks a surefire winner next time after a promising debut behind stablemate Burtonwood. She was not unfancied by Richard Fahey but still went off at 25/1. One for next time.
Which horses have caught your eye recently? Please leave a comment below…