Timeform Notebook: Fan the flames with Johnston's improver

The horse that stands out from last week's action is Mark Johnston's two-year-old Fire Fighting, who bolted up to shed his maiden tag by five lengths at Epsom last Thursday. This horse has already made the headlines for different reasons, when involved in a subsequently overturned dead heat at Kempton Park a month or so ago which resulted in the dismissal of BHA judge Dave Smith.

The son of Soldier of Fortune was beginning to show signs of promise then, and the careful handling he has received from trainer Mark Johnston is beginning to pay dividends. He ran green on his first racecourse start at Pontefract finishing sixth, although it was by no means a weak affair with runner up Malachim Mist scoring impressively next time out at Doncaster. 

Fire Fighting then headed to Haydock for his second outing, finishing just outside the placings in a contest won by subsequent Superlative Stakes third Washaar which also contained the later Ayr scorer Sir Jack Layden. The juvenile's progress continued on his next start at Kempton, where he was arguably unlucky not to come out on top in a tight finish. 

What was most likeable about Fire Fighting's performance in the now infamous 7f maiden was how gamely he fought back after he was headed in the closing stages, and he looked a banker to shed his maiden tag next time out. When that occasion arrived at Epsom last Thursday Fire Fighting did not disappoint, with jockey Neil Callan getting to work from the front and putting the race to bed from someway out. Market favourite Peak Royale was never really on terms and when Fire Fighting quickened again inside the final furlong the result was never in doubt.

Looking to the future, stamina would certainly seem to be his main strength based on pedigree: he is by Irish Derby winner Soldier of Fortune out of a dam who has won at 10f, and given Mark Johston's proven record with middle distance horses and the run of form the yard is currently experiencing (33 winners from 172 runners yielding an impressive 19% strike rate in July) he is definitely a horse to watch. He is currently rated 100p by Timeform but expect that number to rise when he is stepped up in trip, and he could just be the ideal type to flourish at middle distances in 2014. 

Timeform Notebook

We haven't had any runners in the last seven days so can afford to devote a few lines to those who may be in action in the coming week, starting with the exciting Cape Peron. Henry Candy's rapidly progressive three-year-old looks to have an excellent chance of registering a third career win at either Ascot on Saturday or Pontefract on Sunday; he is worth of the utmost respect wherever he turns up.

Trainer David Brown revealed after My Catch's encouraging performance at Royal Ascot that, because the juvenile was purchased at the Arqana sales, he will receive a bonus for winning a maiden in France. He has the chance to do just that at Maisons-Laffitte on Wednesday, and is then likely to head to Deauville for a listed contest in August.

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.
Fire Fighting - Rapidly improving juvenile, likely to progress further when upped in trip.

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