Timeform Horses In Focus: Jesse James rides again

Horses In Focus / Timeform / 25 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform take a close look at five horses - one named for a French composer, another for an American outlaw...

Debussy stamped himself a horse of considerable potential with an emphatic nine-length success on his reappearance in the ten-furlong maiden at Lingfield on Saturday. Far too green to do himself justice on his sole run last year, he knew his job this time. Sent to the front from the outset under Ryan Moore, Debussy quickened two furlongs out and put the race to bed in an instant, drawing further clear inside the final furlong. This being just his second run he looks sure to improve further and he should make up into a very useful horse. J. H. M Gosden

Jesse James was unable to justify odds-on favouritism in the mile maiden at Lingfield last Saturday (beaten a head), but he certainly left the impression that there is plenty more to come. He lost little in defeat, giving eventual winner Legislate first run and just failing to reel him in with the pair clear. He should improve further as he steps up in trip and will have no trouble picking up a maiden before moving on to bigger and better things. J. H. M Gosden

Zaralanta made an impressive debut when winning a six-furlong maiden at the Curragh on Sunday. Soon to the fore from an unfavourable draw, the well-regarded filly dashed clear inside the final furlong to win readily. Whilst it's hard to gauge what she beat, the manner of the success suggests that she will be able to make her mark in a higher grade. John M. Oxx

Toraidhe got off the mark on his third attempt in the closing maiden at the Curragh and looks worth following. Still looking green under pressure, it took him until the final furlong to wear down the runner-up, although he was well on top at the line. This tall and lengthy colt should continue to progress throughout the year, particularly when tackling further, and he will be worth his place at a higher level. J. S. Bolger

Mr Topaz made a promising reappearance at the Curragh on Sunday. Making his handicap debut he went down by a neck to Chorus of Angels. This was improved form from the son of Celtic Swing and he certainly has more to offer, particularly over further. D. K. Weld.