Timeform Notebook: Gothic a dark horse for next season

The reappearance of some stars of the National Hunt game, such as Rock On Ruby and The New One, has led to many people shifting their attention towards the jumps, but there are still some promising Flat horses in action, and the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Gothic could be a horse to follow next year based on his encouraging success at Leicester last week.

An expensive purchase as a yearling and a half-brother to several winners, Gothic was sent off at a big price on debut, but he shaped well when finishing sixth under considerate handling in an informative seven-furlong Newmarket maiden. Gothic looked as if he would derive tremendous benefit for that initial experience, and, upped in trip at Leicester last week, tackling an extended mile, Gothic improved as expected to justify short-price favouritism, winning by two and a quarter lengths with plenty in hand.

Sent straight into the lead, Ryan Moore dictated matters on Gothic who travelled strongly at the head of affairs and responded well when challenged inside the final couple of furlongs, asserting close home. It is worth noting that some of Gothic's siblings, including the useful Dordogne, have proven effective over one and a half miles, and Sir Michael Stoute's unexposed youngster remains open to plenty of progress as his stamina is drawn out. The patient approach taken by his excellent handler looks sure to pay dividends next year as the talented Gothic will surely continue to progress.

Timeform Flat Notebook 2013

It was a profitable week for the Notebook as Ty Gwr romped home by seven lengths at Leicester, winning at a BSP of 16.0. The large price was primarily due to concerns about the heavy ground, but he evidently had no problem with conditions as he travelled powerfully and pulled clear of his rivals with ease, registering an extremely authoritative success. Ty Gwr is sure to receive a hefty rise in the weights but we have all seen how much improvement Brian Ellison can coax out of his new recruits and Ty Gwr, who hasn't been with his shrewd trainer for long, looks sure to be tough to beat in the short term.

Cafe Society has often shaped well in defeat and it was no different at Lingfield last week as he finished runner-up. Once again travelling well in rear, Cafe Society looked a big threat on the turn for home but, while keeping on well, he was no match for the impressive winner. He does remain unexposed, though, and should benefit from a strongly-run race.

Pether's Moon - Authoritative winner at Goodwood and shaped well in defeat at Doncaster.
Cape Peron - Produced career-best effort to run out impressive winner of French listed race. 
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 latest three 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 - Impressive winner at Leicester and can keep winning for shrewd handler.
Glorious Protector - Creditable effort at Goodwood despite stamina seemingly stretched by soft ground.
Nicholascopernicus - Has had a light campaign and will relish testing conditions that tends to prevail at this time of year.
Gothic - Comfortable winner on second start and looks sure to progress

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