Comprising a mixture of in-form, progressive contenders and unexposed types open to plenty of improvement, the penultimate race on Newmarket's Saturday card, a one-mile handicap restricted to three-year-olds, looked like a particularly strong affair and the type of race that would throw up plenty of winners. Unsurprisingly for such a competitive contest there was little to separate the main protagonists; the first four home were covered by little over a length. There was a deserving winner, however, as Breden, hailing from the powerful John Gosden yard, continued his run-to-run progress by staying on strongly to overhaul Top Notch Tonto in the closing stages, in doing so preventing the runner-up from registering successive wins since moving to Brian Ellison.
Twice unsuccessful as a juvenile, Breden, described as a lengthy colt by Timeform, showed much-improved form on his return this season, justifying strong market support to break his maiden tag at Kempton. Perhaps tellingly, William Buick was willing to get down to his lowest riding weight in order to partner Breden on Saturday (putting up 1 lb overweight at 8 stone 6 lb) and his faith in the horse was vindicated as his partner displayed a willing attitude under pressure to prevail. The narrow margin of the victory should ensure that Breden isn't treated too harshly by the handicapper, while he remains open to plenty of improvement having had just the four starts.
Timeform Notebook:
With our list of Notebook horses starting to get a bit long, it is perhaps time to separate the wheat from the chaff, cutting those horses that are either a bit high in the weights now or are no longer of immediate interest.
Galileo Rock - Performed well at the top level and looks an ideal St Leger candidate.
Pether's Moon - Authoritative winner at Goodwood last time, could make an impact at listed level or above.
Cape Peron - Has shaped very well in two ultra-competitive handicaps. Pattern-level performer.
Integral - Impressive winner of first two starts and not disgraced in the Nassau. Still unexposed.
Mankini - Progressive, winning three from last four. Better still to come.
My Catch - Backed up Royal Ascot promise with two French wins, including listed affair last time.
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 now eligible for handicaps.
Brass Ring - Form has worked out exceptionally well and is extremely well treated.
Our Queenie - Ran to a strong timefigure on last start and should excel in nursery company for the rest of the season.
Breden - Twice successful this term and should continue progressing for leading yard.
Have you checked out our new, improved Facebook page? It's the place to go for our features & tips!
