Timeform Notebook: Brass Ring a knockout bet

In a Notebook first, we are retrospectively highlighting the John Gosden-trained Brass Ring as a horse to follow. Brass Ring has only had three runs to date but he has improved markedly with each start and his most recent effort - where he registered a comfortable two-and-three-quarter length success on handicap debut - looks like an exceptional piece of form. Three of the four horses beaten by Brass Ring have since won, while the fourth, Persepolis, finished runner-up on his only subsequent start, beaten by a well-handicapped horse in Goodwood Mirage. 

The form of Brass Ring's Newmarket win was put to the test on three occasions last week and each time his reputation was enhanced. Renew, who was second behind Brass Ring, impressed during the week at Doncaster, finding plenty under pressure to see off a pair of unexposed three-year-olds from top yards. Cafe Society, who had already won in effortless style at Salisbury, shaped best of all in a strong Ascot handicap, losing out due to an ill-judged ride, while Love Marmalade justified strong market support as he blitzed his older rivals. The lightly-raced Brass Ring, who was raised only 5 lb for that Newmarket win, evidently has plenty in hand over the assessor and his return to the track from a reported gelding operation is eagerly awaited.

Timeform Notebook

Salford Red Devil - who already endeared himself to Notebook followers when winning his maiden at BSP 5.27 - looked unlucky not to win a minor event at Chester last month (caught wide) but he made amends when scoring at the same venue on Friday evening. Salford Red Devil stayed on strongly to lead near the line and the steadily-progressive juvenile remains open to progress. 

Pether's Moon was clearly unlucky at Royal Ascot, receiving no sort of run, but he had few excuses at Newmarket, simply running into an unexposed and progressive rival in the shape of Havana Cooler. Pether's Moon will be unlucky to run into such a well-treated rival again and is worth persevering with as he is clearly improving in his own right.

Jamaican Bolt - Of interest in five-furlong handicaps with cut in the ground.
Loving Spirit - One to note in seven furlong or one-mile handicaps.
Border Legend - Remains unexposed and one to bear in mind for handicaps.
Galileo Rock - Performed well at the top level and looks an ideal St Leger candidate
Pether's Moon - An unexposed, progressive and well-handicapped three-year-old.
Salford Red Devil - Steadily progressive, won two of latest three starts.
Cape Peron - Progressive three-year-old who didn't harm reputation at Royal Ascot.
Integral - Impressive winner of both starts and could make mark at top level
Mankini - Will be difficult to beat in handicaps over 10 furlongs or further
Glorious Protector - Boasts strong form in maidens and unsuited by steady pace on handicap debut
My Catch - Maiden who travelled very strongly at Royal Ascot.
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.
Brass Ring - Form has worked out exceptionally well and is extremely well treated.

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