Timeform Notebook: Benefit from backing Henderson

The first horse to merit inclusion into the Notebook is Islandmagee, a narrow winner of a conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Kempton on Friday. Evan Williams' runner just got up in the dying strides, but he did remarkably well to do so under the circumstances, held up off a pace that wasn't as strong as his jockey might have liked. Friday's win represented an improved performance from the unexposed six-year-old and he is likely to progress further, particularly when granted a strong pace to attack.

One horse that shaped significantly better than the bare result on the same Kempton card was the Nicky Henderson-trained State Benefit. Having jumped and travelled with real zest towards the fore, State Benefit paid the price for pressing on too soon, fading in the home straight to eventually finish fifth. Entering the contest on the back of a disappointing performance at Newbury, it was encouraging to see him race with such enthusiasm and, under a more patient ride, is one to consider next time. It wouldn't be a surprise were he to be targeted at the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Festival, where he might just about sneak in at the foot of the weights. Also, as an added bonus, he would probably be reunited with promising amateur Nico de Boinville who would be a real asset against the other Corinthians. 

We finish this week's column with somewhat of a speculative selection, but it is well worth keeping an eye on Tolkeins Tango's initial handicap mark following his qualifying run at Exeter on Sunday. One suspects the two that fought out the finish, Many Clouds and Just A Par, are useful types, and Tolkeins Tango was not subjected to a hard race back in fifth, travelling nicely and creeping into the race in eye-catching fashion. His bumper victory on debut indicated that he possessed some sort of ability and it is entirely possible, based on his three starts over hurdles, that he will be awarded a handicap mark which underplays his ability. Another point to note is that his trainer, Victor Dartnall, is starting to experience an upturn in fortunes following problems earlier in the season.
 
Runners Debrief:

Venetia Williams has her yard in cracking form at present and though notebook entrant Zamdy Man couldn't add to her fantastic strike-rate he shaped with real encouragement, finishing a clear second at Huntingdon. Once again he travelled fluently, best of all in fact, but he couldn't match the impressive winner when he made his effort. Zamdy Man still appears to be learning the ropes as a hurdler, looks open to further progress and will be winning before too long.

There was a pleasing result on Saturday as Master of The Sea led home Captain Sunshine in a staying handicap hurdle at Newbury. The winner has progressed sharply, Saturday's victory his fourth in a row, and given the style of victory it is possible his winning run will continue, for all the handicapper is likely to react. Captain Sunshine's effort was a bit strange as, for the second race in succession, he finished like a train having looked disinterested. His attitude is coming into question, though he certainly possesses the ability to strike from his handicap mark.

Puffin Billy was undoubtedly disappointing at Exeter on Sunday, though it should be noted that he was found to be lame post-race. While this can hardly be considered an ideal prep run, it is worth giving him another chance to confirm the promise he had previously shown. Highland Lodge was another disappointment, shaping as if possibly amiss as he weakened markedly late on. In one respect, encouragement can be taken from the way he showed up well for a long way. However, the way he folded so tamely is a concern, particularly on the back of a poor run at Warwick and it remains to be seen whether he can bounce back.  

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