Timeform Notebook: Back Midnight next time

Midnight Rider caught the eye at Newmarket on Friday when he fared by far the best of those held up in a six-furlong handicap, keeping on well in the closing stages to finish second, one and a half lengths behind the resurgent Hadaj, and he has to be of interest while the Chris Wall yard remains in such good form.

Midnight Rider is a strong-travelling sprinter and is at his best when able to attack off a strong pace, but things simply did not work out at Newmarket as the hold-up horses struggled to land a blow. To make matters more difficult, Midnight Rider was temporarily short of room as he attempted to launch his challenge two furlongs from home, although, in truth, he was never going to reel in the impressive winner. It looks like a solid piece of form, though, as Hadaj has been competitive from much higher marks in the past, while the third-placed horse Commanche has been running consistently well, for all he is hiding little from the handicapper.

It is interesting to note that last season Midnight Rider signed off for the year with a victory at Warwick having shaped well in defeat a number of times. His campaign this season seems to be taking on a similar theme; he appears to be running into form, building up to a big effort. 

2013 Flat Notebook:

York stage the Ebor meeting this week and a couple of Notebook horses are engaged. Pether's Moon, a winner at Goodwood under a cool ride from Richard Hughes, has been entered in the Melrose handicap and will have to defy a 6 lb higher mark. Since it has become extremely difficult for the classic generation to get a run in the Ebor, the Melrose - which is restricted to three-year-olds - has become an ultra-competitive affair and there are sure to be plenty of well handicapped horses in opposition. It is, therefore, difficult to outline the chances of Pether's Moon at this early stage when the final field is not yet known. My Catch has won twice in France since put up as a horse to follow on the back of a promising effort at Royal Ascot and it would be a mistake to underestimate him in the Gimcrack.

Galileo Rock - Performed well at the top level and looks an ideal St Leger candidate.
Pether's Moon - Authoritative winner at Goodwood last time, could make an impact at listed level or above.
Cape Peron - Has shaped very well in two ultra-competitive handicaps. Pattern-level performer.
Integral - Impressive winner of first two starts and not disgraced in the Nassau. Still unexposed.
Mankini - Progressive, winning three from last four. Better still to come.
My Catch - Backed up Royal Ascot promise with two French wins, including listed affair last time.
Kingman - Incredibly impressive debut, running to a big figure in a quick time. Very exciting prospect.
Ertijaal - Above-average early achievements, impressive in success at Yarmouth last time. Pattern performer in the making.
Deserted - Improved when third at Doncaster on second start, will stay further and continue progressing now eligible for handicaps.
Brass Ring - Form has worked out exceptionally well and is extremely well treated.
Our Queenie - Ran to a strong timefigure on last start and should excel in nursery company for the rest of the season.
Breden - Twice successful this term and should continue progressing for leading yard.
Midnight Rider - A strong-travelling sprinter who is ready to strike granted a strong pace.

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