Timeform Horses In Focus: A selection of six to peruse

Horses In Focus / Timeform / 18 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform on some of the more eyecatching recent performances in the racing world.

Jorveybrook (N. G. Richards) appears to be a horse worth following after his handicap chase success at Newcastle on Saturday. He had shown little prior to this victory but it may just be that he's taken time to learn the game, something that was evident even in his win. He jumped stickily and to the right in the early stages and, despite idling when hitting the front, he still won cosily. The manner of his success should ensure the handicapper doesn't punish him too harshly and he will certainly be worth following in similarly weak races although he should be able to hold his own in better company as he continues to gather experience.

Well Disguised (D. W. Whillans) put a below-par effort behind her later in the card with a comfortable win in the Guinness Time Handicap Hurdle. The mare had shown improved form since dropping back to two miles, picking up two races before disappointing in a hot race at Doncaster behind Fairyland. She was right back to form here, travelling well under restraint before putting the race to bed from two out and holding Burnt Oak all the way to the line for a six length success. This win certainly reinforces her progressive profile and it would be no surprise to see her go on to even better things.

Fredo ( Ian Williams) emerged as one to follow when taking a novice handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter on Saturday. He had looked the winner in his previous race before a blunder three out that effectively finished him. There were no such problems here as he travelled well and jumped fluently before showing determination, coming out on top after a three-way battle from the second last. He shapes as though a step up from two miles would not hinder him and he will also appreciate firmer ground. Also, with the future in mind, he has he scope to make a decent chaser.

Work Boy (Mrs S. J. Smith) turned in a much improved display when third in a novice handicap chase at Carlisle on Sunday. This was just his sixth National Hunt run, which is surprising for an eight-year-old, but based on the promise of this he should win races, especially when faced with a stiffer stamina test. He still appeared green here, getting outpaced before staying on stoutly in the closing stages. Work Boy is improving with racing and rates one to keep a close eye on.

Ballybriggan (V.R.A.Dartnall) made a good impression when taking the bumper at Wetherby on Saturday. Making his debut, he travelled well in the rear before kicking on three furlongs out and staying on strongly to beat the consistent (and potentially useful) Mr Syntax. Being by Flemensfirth, the winner will almost certainly come into his own when going over jumps, but the style of his success here suggests he may be able to pick up another one of these under a penalty. Mr Syntax should have no trouble in winning an ordinary bumper, either.

Badge of Honour (M. Johnston) showed a game and willing attitude, like so many from Mark Johnston's stable, when taking the ten-furlong, three-year-old handicap at Lingfield on Saturday. Since his disappointing debut at Southwell where he almost certainly didn't handle the fibresand, he has proved a model of consistency, yet to finish out of the first two in his four subsequent runs, winning his last two. He still exhibits signs of greenness and there is surely more improvement to come, including when switched to turf.