Timeform Notebook: Marshal Zhukov to lead the charge

There have been occasions in the past when Marshal Zhukov has found less than anticipated, but his weak finishing effort at Ascot on Friday can surely be attributed to the sudden move he made after the fifth-last fence, making rapid headway from the rear to take up the running travelling powerfully. He couldn't sustain the effort up the straight, eventually fading into third, but it was certainly an eye-catching run and one which suggests he is capable of winning more races if ridden with greater restraint, possibly even over two miles given the speed he displayed.

Although only managing to finish fifth in the concluding race at Ascot on Friday, Ifyouletmefinish shaped with plenty of promise, once again hinting that a step up in trip would see him in a better light. Jeremy Scott's charge attracted support in the market on his seasonal return, but, having made progress turning for home, he could only stay on at the same pace up the straight. He remains well treated on the pick of his novice form last year and is surely capable of winning a handicap if racing in excess of minimum distance.

The final horse to merit inclusion into the Notebook is the Donald McCain-trained Super Duty. A useful novice hurdler last year, Super Duty always looked to have the size and scope to make a smart chaser and he has made a promising start to life over the larger obstacles, finishing second on both starts this term, most notably at Haydock on Friday. Super Duty, along with the eventual winner Poungach, pulled a long way clear of a promising bunch of novices and he should have little difficulty in picking up a few races.

Runners Debrief:

English Summer was well beaten at Wolverhampton last week, but he did shape better than the bare result, not getting the clearest of runs at a crucial stage of the race. However, he wouldn't have troubled the winner and, though capable of winning at a similar level, needs a bit of luck in avoiding progressive rivals.

The form of Crowning Jewel's third-placed finish at Newcastle had been well advertised by the exploits of the first two, but he produced a rather laboured effort at Haydock, weakening after three out to finish well beaten. It is perhaps no coincidence that his best efforts have come on better ground, so he is worth another chance on a sound surface, but given recent conditions we might be waiting a while for that scenario to arise!

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