Timeform: Horses in Focus

Horses In Focus / Timeform / 25 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Timeform cast a discerning eye over the horses who might be set for big things.

Starluck took his record to two out of two over hurdles with an impressive success at Fakenham on the 18th November which puts him to the forefront of the juvenile rankings. He cruised past the useful Flat horse Laterly three out and forged clear on the bridle, likely to have won by more than thirty lengths had his rider wanted. He has jumped fluently in both starts to date and the speed he has shown should count for plenty in better races.

Howard Johnson's Cool Operator has a progressive profile, having won three of his last four starts, and remains one to keep the right side of after overcoming interference in-running to follow up his chasing debut win in a novice chase at Huntingdon on the 22nd November. He was nearly carried out by The Vicar at the twelfth fence before keeping on well to get the better of the runner-up in the dash for the line, despite making a bad mistake at the last.

Serabad returned from seven months off with an improved performance upped in trip at Aintree on Sunday, cruising through to lead after two out and eased close home. His jumping was more assured than previously and he clearly stays much better than his Flat-orientated pedigree might suggest. He is reportedly being aimed at the Long Walk Hurdle, but he would need to improve to be competitive there, and his stamina is unproven over that trip.