Timeform Notebook: Keep on the right side of The Bear Trap

Though featuring a Grade 1 in the shape of the Scilly Isles Chase, it was a fairly low-key weekend in terms of quality and, consequently, we don't have a great deal to report on the Notebook front. One race that could prove to be a particularly strong bit of form, however, is the Ffos Las handicap hurdle that saw Kaylif Aramis and The Bear Trap fight out the finish. The well-backed Kaylif Aramis narrowly prevailed, but both horses created a good impression, the runner-up arguably making greater appeal as a type to follow in coming weeks.

As a brother to Kayf Aramis it would perhaps be logical to assume that Kaylif Aramis would possess stamina in abundance. However, at this stage of his career, Kaylif Aramis doesn't seem to be as strong a stayer as his brother and he probably benefitted from dropping back in trip on Saturday. He remains fairly unexposed and is obviously open to further progress, particularly if kept to distances short of three miles.

The Bear Trap had made a mockery of his handicap mark when sluicing up at Ffos Las in January and, though beaten on Saturday, Rebecca Curtis' unexposed six-year-old once again showed plenty of ability, travelling extremely well for much of the way and rallying strongly once headed. He just took a bit of time to pick up when initially put under pressure, a factor which can be put down to his inexperience and the fact he has rarely been strongly handled, and that arguably cost him the victory. However, he continues to progress and should be backed to make amends.

An impressive success on his first start for the Malcolm Jefferson yard ensured that Renoyr was included in the Notebook, and his effort at the weekend, finishing third off a 10 lb higher mark at Wetherby, suggests that he is still one to keep onside. Patiently ridden, Renoyr looked like a real threat as he began to make stealthy headway as they swung for home. However, he made a bad mistake at the second-last flight which halted his momentum and, though keeping on well in the closing stages, he could never quite reel back the similarly-unexposed Billy Twyford and the well-handicapped Shammick Boy. It was encouraging to see the front three pull well clear of the rest and Malcolm Jefferson's recruit can win again.

Runners Debrief:

We have already touched upon Renoyr's creditable effort at Wetherby, but it is worth mentioning that Super Duty, another Notebook horse, also ran well without winning. Trained by Donald McCain, Super Duty was stepping up three furlongs but, though headed in the final few yards, he appeared to stay the trip thoroughly, pulling well clear of the remainder of the field. Largely a sound jumper, Super Duty is proving to be consistent over fences and should continue running well in graded chases.

English Summer has been in great heart on the all-weather over the winter, running well once again when finishing second at Lingfield on Saturday. He actually bettered the form of his previous win and looks sure to keep giving a good account.

Kellystown Lad has undoubtedly been a disappointing inclusion, though his recent failure can perhaps be excused on the grounds that he may still have been feeling the effects of a hard race at Taunton.

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