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Eyecatchers

Flat Eyecatchers 2024 #1

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Flat Eyecatchers is a list of horses that caught my eye during the recent weeks of racing on turf and sand. Find all previous eyecatchers always here.

Flowering
04/03/24 – 6.00 Wolverhampton:

Tracked pace the setter early on, took him on in an uneconomical battle in the middle of the race. Tried to kick from 4f out but was already tired and eventually faded in the home straight.

Showed promise in two Handicaps prior. The form of all three runs this year appears solid and suggests she could be a bit better than the current mark, perhaps more so over 10 furlongs, given the twelve furlongs possibly stretch her stamina.

She’s lightly enough raced to believe there’s some improvement and races to be won in these lower grades.

Doctor Mozart
04/03/24 – 8.00 Wolverhampton:

In a pace battle throughout and doing too much too soon. First three home all came from further back. Showed good attitude keeping on.

Confirmed impression from 19/02 where he didn’t get the ideal trip. Badly hampered next time out in a hot race when up with strong pace once again. Down 1lb below last winning mark now. Seriously interesting in a race where the pace is a little bit less hot than encountered lately.

Kessaar Power
05/03/25 – 6.30 Southwell:

Reared in stalls, then pushed forward quickly to lead and setting a taxing gallop. Never stood a chance to get home over this trip but kept on well for 3rd. Decent speed rating over an inadequate trip.

Saying that 7f on the sand could suit on a different day, though. Down to good mark but may drop a bit further before competitive. This run a clear sign of wellbeing, though.

Watermelon Sugar
06/03 – 5.30 Kempton:

Held up from widest draw, travelling widest of all giving ground away while setting fastest sectionals from five to three furlongs out. Dropped badly away in the closing stages.

Showed enough enthusiasm to suggest he could get back to form at some point after a long break. Interesting for this yard/owners. No surprise to see a vastly improved horse in a couple of runs. The betting will provide clues.

Ran to 65 and 64 speed ratings in the past. Further help from the handicapper and an easier race on the AW will enhance his chances.

Bora Bora
06/03/24 – 6.00 Kempton:

Bit awkward away from the gate, tracked the pace rather keenly after the first furlong. Travelled well enough into the home straight but lacked the gears. Still finished with good attitude in hot contest.

Ran 68 speed rating, matching a surprise eye-catching 3rd place at big odds and 69 speed rating at Chelmsford before. On a good mark and may soon find an easier race over 6f but possibly is better suited to 7-8f as past form indicates. Clearly in form and well-handicapped.

Maybe one for early turf races too. Had limited opportunities there but yard in these colours when owned by Butler tends to do much better on turf too.

Chico Dulce
06/03/24 – 7.00 Kempton:

Made most of low draw to find a perfect spot on the rails, tracking the pace. Good progress between horses when slightly angled out over 2f out, before not able to match the pace of the first three. Ran good 53 speed rating in a hot race.

Will be able to drop into easier race now. Still low mileage and could be ahead of his mark over this sort of trip if dropped to 0-55. Noteworthy run lto too. Notably the change of tactics here too.

Walking In The Clouds
07/03/24 – 2.45 Lingfield:

Widest draw, moved forward and travelled always keen on the outside of the pack. Attempted to make an effort around the home bend but unsurprisingly tired badly.

Will come down to a good mark now. Ran to competitive speed ratings on the All-Weather last year. Best over 6f at Southwell, so one to keep an eye on for that.

Dream Together
07/03/24 – 8.00 Newcastle:

Grabbed the lead to set a somewhat muddling pace. Nonetheless showed an improved attitude and ability to quicken. Did well to stay in the mix for as long as he did.

This was a significant drop in class but also only 2nd run off a long break. Improved performance and he looks ready soon if back on turf. Although, needs fast ground.

Dandys Derriere
08/03/24 – 5.30 Newcastle:

Tracked pace racing more toward the far side. Off the bridle 2f out but kept going nicely without being completely hammered in the final furlong when it became clear a gallant 3rd was the best possible result.

Big run, matched handicap mark on speed ratings. Looks improved lately since wind op and break with four good runs under his belt.

Overall record wouldn’t suggest there’s more to come but this was a seriously deep race. If he finds a slightly easier race, quality wise or drop to 0-68, he could be good enough with a favoured pace scenario to win. Deserves a chance and could be underestimated.

Secret Road
08/03/24 – 5.30 Newcastle:

Dwelt, squeezed out soon after. Not in the best position 2f out. Switched and finished much the strongest in the final furlong. Achieved strong 63 speed rating, in line with current rating.

Down another pound since then, now on his last winning mark. Won in better class this winter over the CD. Looks ready for a big run and usually much closer ridden to the pace as well.

Novak
08/03/24 – 6.00 Newcastle:

Slowly away, in rear having plenty to do over 2f out before urged to move and responded seriously well in the last two furlongs without an overly hard ride.

Clearly returning back to form and on an intriguing mark. Struggles to win on the sand but the green lush grass isn’t far away and should be then in a position to be seriously competitive over 6-7f.

Hence, it’s best to ignore his subsequent start over 7f at Newcastle off 68 when last of ten after dwelling once again.

Not Forgotten
08/03/24 – 7.15 Dundalk:

Missed the break ever so slightly. Made up ground on the inside rapidly, though, but perhaps this early mishap cost him in a tight finish where he couldn’t quite find the kick needed to win in the final furlong.

He travelled smoothly into entering the home straight and this was a competitive heat. Still low mileage enough to believe he could find some improvement. Handicapper has left him untouched.

Same level of form will see him go close in these races in any case. Won quite taking this winter over course and distance as well.

Eccentric
09/03/24 – 6.40 Wolverhampton:

Soon led and set strong gallop. Clear by a couple of lengths. Was reeled in by stalker but fought gamely all the way to the line. Superb run and achieved a whopping 72 speed rating.

Clearly ahead of his mark as run 57 twice before. A mile seems the limit. Still a maiden but seems to finally get the hang of the game. May be too obvious and a short price next time.

Rock Opera
10/03/24 – 4.50 Southwell:

Widest draw, dropped in trailing in last place. Plenty do over 3f out but made superb progress from 4f out all the way to the final furlong, backed up visually any by sectionals, before stamina ran out.

Highly competitive race, over a trip likely too far. A drop to 6f will see him competitive. Any additional help from the handicapper that allows a slight ease in race class will be of benefit. Ran well all winter, including lto in strong 0-85. Won twice in easier races over 6f.

Not quite convinced on speed ratings yet but suspicion is in right conditions he can deliver.

Gobi Sunset
12/03/24 – 8.30 Southwell:

Widest draw, quickly moved forward and grabbed the lead, although always closely followed. Did a lot in the first half of the race and performance warrants upgrade staying in the mix for so long.

Winner was in superb form, which gives the form credibility. Down to last winning mark. Clearly in strong form.

Can go well on All-Weather right now but would be even more intriguing back on turf soon, on decent ground.

First three horses
13/03/24 – 5.20 Kempton:

Seriously interesting Novice Stakes. Strong speed ratings produced and first three home could turn out to be smart prospects to follow for the season, potentially.

The winner British Camp was green on his debut. Missed the break and was early enough off the bridle entering the home straight.

Three light backhanders, finished off nicely under light enough ride to win it on the line, with seemingly much more left in the tank.

Ran five furlongs of the final mile the fastest sectionals, including the final two furlongs, dipping easily under 12s. Very well bred, related to smart individuals. Should be capable of getting 1m 4f but a fast 10 furlongs should also suit.

Runner-up Imperial Sovereign wasn’t smartly away from the gates either, but soon tracked the pace and travelled much the best, on the bridle until 2f out.

All out to the line, he wasn’t good enough to beat the winner, but showed a likeable attitude putting his head down and answering ever call. Won well on debut last year and is a son of smart Imperial Charm. 10 furlongs may be his ideal trip.

Third placed Tribal Star started well, better than in his two prior career runs. Made all and kicked nicely from 3f out. He was beaten by better horses but could be potentially underestimated wherever he goes next.

Impressed on debut last year with a fine 79 speed rating runner-up performance despite missing the break. Followed up with another solid run before the end of the year and showed a nice attitude in this race.

A mark in the mid-80’s could be underestimate him, especially if he steps up further in trip, judged on pedigree.

Jungle Charm
14/03/23 – 6.15 Southwell:

Widest draw, rapidly moved forward to just grab the lead entering the home turn. The damage was done at that point, but did well to stay in the action for a long time.

Should be solid form. Could unlock improvement for experience. Also not impossible to step up to 7f. A slightly less competitive race should see her really well placed to win another race.

Fine Wine
15/03/24 – 6.20 Newcastle:

Off to a flying start, set a seriously fast pace early on. Noteworthy how long he stayed in front. Highly competitive race as well. Must have regained some good form, second off a break.

Should drop further in the weights, and interesting if he returns at Southwell over the minimum trip, ideally in an easier race. Not won in a while but over that CD always dangerous.

Eyecatchers

Eye-Catchers #3 2022

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A list of horses that have caught my eye during the last seven days of racing. These individuals look ready to win a race sooner rather than later.

After John
09/04/22 – 2.05 Thirsk:

Travelled in rear of the field. until making excellent progress from three to 2 furlongs from home. Confronted with a wall of horses to pass he has to switch wide, taking the “scenic route” in order to get a clear run.

This move cost time and momentum and by the final furlong marker it’s too late to catch the eventual winner who always travelled isolated away from the field.

It’s fair to assume on a different day After John finishes a whole lot closer to the winner. He’s certainly responded to the change of scenery having moved yards on this first run for Ian Jardine.

He’s down to a handicap mark of 64 and on past form he’s well handicapped, no question. He ran four times to topspeed ratings of 65 or higher and performed well of a mark of 67 in 6f Handicaps last season.

I am hoping the handicapper won’t bee too harsh after this run and leaves him on 64. If that’s the case I reckon After John will be a big runner over 6 furlongs wherever he pops up next.

Race Replay

Andromedas Kingdom + No Patience + Breach + We’re On The Way
10/04/22 – 5.20 Curragh:

This was a wild race with as many hard-luck stories as you want to pick out. I could make the case for more than a handful of horses that ran better than the bare result suggested. But “only” four individuals find their way into the tracker.

Andromedas Kingdom travelled well on the heels of the main bunch on the stands’ side. Having to pass everyone with nowhere to go she was switched to the middle of the track in the hope for greener grass. She made dramatic progress from 2 furlongs out and finished well under hands and heels.

This was her first run in Handicap company also also her comeback run coming off a 251 day break, while having changed yards in the meantime. She is a half-sister to 100 rated sprinter Boundless Power, but I imagine she will improve going up in trip. A mile looks highly possible on pedigree. With more improvement to come a mark of 55 could easily underestimate her.

No Patience raced in midfield of the main pack on the stands’ side for the majority of the race. He was boxed in and couldn’t improve his position until about half a furlong from home when he ran on strongly under an easy ride.

He’s an experienced individual and we know all about him. However, given 6 furlongs is likely on the sharp side these days, I do rate this run as a strong performance.

He’s down to a sexy mark (turf and All-Weather), given he won off 65 over 7 furlongs at Dundalk last April, ran a good race in a hot Leopardstown Handicap last September from 10lb higher than he’s rated today, and achieved a 71 topspeed rating in the past. He looks rejuvenated for having changed yards and is ripe to win back up in trip.

Breach travelled in rear of the main bunch and is another one who had nowhere to go. She also got badly hampered over two furlongs out when running into the back of a horse. She’s switched moments later and finishes easy as you like in eye-catching fashion.

This filly has been hidden. She has raced over wrong trips since her move to Ireland. She almost certainly stays a good deal further. The dam was a 10 furlong winner. Watch out for when she moves up in trip. Her day will come.

We’re On The Way was yet another significant hard-luck story. He had no chance, was multiple times hampered and had any momentum stopped from over two furlongs out. Given a bit of reign in the final furlong he picked up seriously well, though.

He also is one you would think has no business to run over 6 furlongs. He will stay further and should improve going up in trip. Watch out for that. This was his seasonal comeback run which enhances the performance as he was not fancied at all on the day.

Race Replay

Secret Eagle
11/04/22 – 5.50 Pontefract:

He made perfect use of a low draw to chase the early pace and be in a good spot given the nature of the track. He continued to drive forward from three furlongs out and attempted to steal the race from the front turning for home while the fellow pace setter faded away.

He was finally caught with one furlong to go but continued to rally impressively to keep the 3rd spot.

This was a clear return to form and evidence that a recent wind operation has worked. Secret Eagle is down to a solid mark, having ran to topspeed 71 as a juvenile and having been placed of 3lb higher last August (a strong piece of form).

He acts over 5 furlongs as well as 6 furlongs, on softish as well as decent ground. Though, I suspect he’ll need a bit of cut in the ground for the minimum trip.

Race Replay

Ebtsama
12/04/22 – 7.45 Wolverhampton:

This filly was already on the #1 2022 list. She caught the eye here once again in a hot race. As mentioned earlier this month I want to see her stepping up in trip before backing her, so I let her run without my money.

Perhaps in that context it was disheartening to see how much she pulled in this 6f contest. Nonetheless, with more experience and a solid pace I maintain that 7 furlongs will be ideal.

Turning for home she was following the eventual winner who kicked on 2 furlongs from home. Ebtsama didn’t quite seem to have the instant change of gear to follow but also found herself boxed in, denied an opportunity to unleash her own challenge.

This could be a blessing in disguise because she may be dropped a couple of pounds by the handicapper for finishing last. She appears seriously well handicapped once stepping up in trip – and if she can relax. Perhaps head gear in some form is an option.

The form of the race looks strong on topspeed ratings. Most horses have ran to their handicap mark too – always a good sign in my book.

Race Replay

Harry Three
13/04/22 – 1.50 Newmarket:

He travelled in rear for the first half of the race. Made his move from 3 furlongs out, but crucially toward the far side, away from where the actual race would eventually develop.

He quickened in impressive style – backed up by strong sectionals. But he had to do it all on his own in the closing stages. In the end he was just beaten by two horses on the stands’ side.

He looks like a colt who is progressing as a 3-year-old after showing a lot of promise toward the end of last season as a juvenile. He is lightly enough raced to imagine he can improve again.

He didn’t always got the best of runs the last two starts he was beaten before coming here to Newmarket. All in all, over the 6 furlongs trip he clearly can win off his current handicap mark – granted the handicapper won’t treat him harshly for this effort.

Race Replay