Horses In Focus: All aboard a sure-fire winner

Horses In Focus / Timeform / 01 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform take a close look at four horses that you will want to have on your side in the coming months.

Rockhampton took the closing maiden at Leopardstown on Sunday in the manner of a horse who'll be up to plying his trade at a significantly higher level in the near future, making smooth headway from mid-field before quickening decisively over one furlong out to win under no more than hand riding; as expected, the longer trip suited him well and he will have no problem stepping up to a mile-and-a-half. He is due to run in one of the upcoming Derby trials and it would come as a surprise were he not in the running come June. A. P. O'Brien

Runner-up to Rockhampton was Pirate Ship. Pirate Ship has a smart pedigree and looks a sure-fire winner of a similar event before too much longer, travelling smoothly but forced to wait for a gap as the winner quickened, then looking green when first asked for his effort, before finishing strongly as the penny dropped. This was his first trip to a racecourse and he will certainly improve for it. He is definitely one to keep on the right side. David Wachman

Tastahil looked a horse worth following when winning the Doncaster Shield on Sunday. He's very lightly raced for a five-year-old and judging by this performance, this could be the season where he makes his mark. The Barry Hills gelding ran some excellent races last year, finishing close behind smart horses Folk Opera and Muhannak, aswell as the very smart Bankable. Strong and muscular, he won with plenty to spare at the weekend and will win a listed race, at least. B. W. Hills

Cape Express lost nothing in defeat when failing to justify favouritism in the Roseberry Handicap at Kempton on Saturday. He did well to finish third, faring best of those to race near the pace and actually leading for much of the final furlong, his lack of experience compared to more battle-hardened handicappers perhaps telling. He is yet to race on turf, is unexposed still, and remains a smart prospect. He is definitely one to follow closely. M. A. Jarvis