Timeform Notebook: Gosden improver to become pattern-race performer

Brass Ring made last season's Timeform Notebook on the strength of his victory in a Newmarket handicap in May - where he had a couple of improving types in behind - but, unfortunately, he didn't run for the remainder of the campaign. John Gosden's lightly-raced charge made his eagerly-awaited return at Lingfield on Saturday, having been gelded in the interim, and he enhanced his reputation with a narrow success that strongly hinted that there is still more to come. 

The pace was only steady at Lingfield, so it says a lot about the front trio - Brass Ring, Viewpoint and Glorious Protector - that they managed to pull clear in the closing stages, Brass Ring staying on powerfully to shade the verdict by a neck. The unexposed four-year-old would almost certainly have been better suited by a stronger gallop, while he is also entitled to come on for what was his first run in 11 months, but it was encouraging that he still managed to win, enhancing his fine strike-rate (three wins from four starts), and he is definitely one to consider next time, be it in a top-quality handicap or a pattern race.

Timeform Notebook:

Magic Florence - Showed plenty of early speed and looks a banker for an early maiden at least.
Brass Ring - Possesses upwardly-mobile profile and can continue climbing the ranks.