Glorious Protector was originally included in the Timeform Notebook following an encouraging handicap debut in June but was reluctantly discarded due to a period of inactivity. He returned to the track last week, though, making his return from a four-month absence, and produced another promising effort when finishing second in an 11-furlong handicap at Kempton.
The lightly-raced Glorious Protector showed marginally improved form but actually shaped as if he was capable of significantly better under different circumstances. Racing with zest, the always-prominent Glorious Protector struck the front a furlong out, comfortably seeing off the attentions of the pace-setting favourite Jazz Master, but was collared close home by the patiently-ridden Troopingthecolour. It looked as if the market principals possibly pressed for home too soon, leaving them vulnerable to a late challenge, a view backed up by Simon Rowlands' sectional analysis, and Glorious Protector should be extremely difficult to beat next time.
Timeform Flat Notebook:
Doc Hay provided this column with a big success at Ripon last week, but wasn't seen to best effect as he tried to win the listed Rous Stakes at Ascot for the second year in succession. Best suited to coming through large fields, the fact Doc Hay raced in the smaller group of three was certainly less than ideal and he showed enough to suggest that he still remains in good form. Doc Hay will remain of short-term interest.
On the same Ascot card, Music Master, wearing a tongue strap for the first time, improved as anticipated for the drop back to six furlongs, travelling powerfully at the head of affairs before finding only the progressive Tropics too strong in the closing stages. Still unexposed over sprint trips, Music Master remains a horse to follow.
There was a winner for Notebook followers on Saturday as the well backed Breden comfortably won a 10-furlong handicap at Newmarket. There had been a slight question over his stamina prior to the race but Breden was well suited to how the contest developed, always handy and ready to pounce when the steady pace increased. Things were in his favour at Newmarket, but, as a lightly-raced colt from a powerful stable, it may be unwise to crab Breden's form and he will remain of interest.
Midnight Rider once again shaped well in defeat, travelling best of all having been set a fair bit to do, and he is capable of winning a race granted a truly-run race and a bit of luck in running.
As we approach the end of the season, it is probably a good time to manage our list of Notebook horses, removing those that are no longer of short-term interest. Kingman is clearly a horse of great potential but has been ruled out for the season so is removed from the 2013 Notebook; Our Queenie created a good impression at Goodwood at the start of August but hasn't been seen since so is also taken off the list.
Pether's Moon - Authoritative winner at Goodwood and shaped well in defeat at Doncaster.
Cape Peron - Has shaped very well in two ultra-competitive handicaps. Pattern-level performer.
Integral - Boasts a good strike-rate and improved to finish second in a Group 1 at Newmarket.
Deserted - Worth remembering the good attitude she showed to win on handicap debut at Yarmouth.
Brass Ring - Form has worked out exceptionally well and is extremely well treated.
Breden - Won well at Newmarket and could continue to progress.
Midnight Rider - A strong-travelling sprinter who is ready to strike granted a strong pace.
Music Master - Consistent performer who looked well suited by six furlongs at Ascot.
Spiritoftomintoul - Completely unexposed over staying distances.
Cafe Society - Strong-travelling type who has shaped extremely well in defeat on his latest two outings.
Doc Hay - Confirmed impression he was building up to something when winning at Ripon. Will continue in form.
Farlow - Shaped well at Ayr last time and can get back to winning ways now back to a workable mark.
Ty Gwr - Unlucky in defeat at Beverley and capable of winning for shrewd handler.
Glorious Protector - Encouraging performance at Kempton when committed for home too soon.
Have you checked out our new, improved Facebook page? It's the place to go for our features & tips!
