Timeform Notebook: Nicholascopernicus set to shine at Doncaster

As we approach the end of the Flat turf season it is no bad thing to side with a fresh horse that goes particularly well in testing conditions. Nicholascopernicus fits the bill nicely and looks like an ideal type for the November Handicap.

Nicholascopernicus was a disappointment on two starts earlier in the campaign but, given a mid-season break, he returned to action at York on Friday, bouncing back to form in tremendous fashion as he put up an effort close to his best to finish runner-up in a competitive one-and-a-half mile handicap. The eventual winner, Lahaag, had shaped like a horse ahead of his mark on a couple of occasions, so there was no shame in finding him too strong and, all things considered, it was a most encouraging performance from Nicholascopernicus.

It is worth pointing out that Nicholascopernicus disappointed in the November Handicap last year, but he'd endured a much heavier campaign and the fact he has been so lightly raced this time is sure to stand him in good stead. Significantly, trainer Ed Walker has his string in good form at present and Nicholascopernicus is sure to hold leading claims should he turn up at Doncaster.

The November Handicap is the obvious target but, in truth, Nicholascopernicus will be of interest wherever he turns up off a mark in the low 90s, provided there is cut in the ground.

Timeform Flat Notebook 2013:

Cape Peron made his eagerly-awaited return to action in a French listed race last week, producing a career-best effort to run out an authoritative four-length winner. Henry Candy's charge has progressed all season, shaping better than the bare result when beaten in a couple of ultra-competitive handicaps, and there is no reason to suspect that he won't continue on his upward curve. He remains one to keep firmly on side, especially as he is proven on testing ground.

Glorious Protector once again shaped well in defeat, running creditably to finish runner-up at Goodwood. A free-going sort, Glorious Protector may be best suited by racing at distances short of one and a half miles for now, with the 11 furlong handicaps at Kempton looking ideal for a horse with proven polytrack form.  

Doc Hay nearly fell soon after the start at York, losing all chance in the process, and it is best to just write off the performance. It is likely that he will return to form next time. 

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 his latest two 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 - Unlucky in defeat at Beverley and capable of 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.

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