Timeform Notebook: No need to Dutch, go all in!

It is unlikely that any future stars were in action at Wolverhampton's all-weather meeting last Monday, but there were a couple of interesting runners that might well pay their way in the coming weeks.

The first to merit inclusion is Light From Mars, a seven-year-old gelding that was once operating at a considerably higher level, notably when winning the 2011 Spring Cup. He has not been performing with such distinction since that prestigious victory but his handicap mark has dropped accordingly. Light From Mars may have only finished second on Monday, but he shaped like the best horse in the race, conceding first run to the winner before staying on stoutly to reduce the deficit to a head. He has a few entries for later in the week and given that he seems to be on good terms with himself, as well as being undoubtedly well treated, Light From Mars should be capable of atoning for his unfortunate defeat.

The other horse of interest at Wolverhampton last week was Cross The Boss, catching the eye in no uncertain terms on his return to the Polytrack, finishing with plenty still left to give after receiving no luck in-running. Jamie Spencer's mount was travelling noticeably well as they swung for home but he was simply unable to negotiate a clear passage, eventually having to settle for fifth place. He looked considerably better than the bare result would imply and may be worth following at Wolverhampton on Saturday, should he take up his entry.

We stay on the all-weather to provide you with our final Notebook selection, but this time it is Kempton where our eye-catcher was in action. Royal Dutch could only finish third on Wednesday but he shaped especially well, travelling smoothly and making good headway in the closing stages. He was perhaps given too much to do on that occasion and may be seen to better effect under a less patient ride. He remains well handicapped and it would be a surprise were this progressive sort incapable of registering a handicap victory in the coming weeks.

Runners Debrief
A severe case of seconditis struck the Notebook horses last week, with our three representatives all finding one too good. English Summer kicked things off with a frustrating second-placed effort at Wolverhampton on Friday. In truth, David Simcock's charge did little wrong, making significant ground from the rear, appearing menacingly on the outside as they swung for home, but finding the thriving and hat-trick seeking Porcini too strong in the closing stages. The frustrating aspect derives from the fact that he looked very likely to win, trading at 1.152/13 on Betfair, but English Summer remains in good heart, on a significantly lower mark than when at his peak, and compensation surely awaits in similar company.

Nargys was put up as a Notebook selection following her most promising second in handicap company at Doncaster, and it was in that sphere where we hoped that she would reappear. For selfish reasons we weren't particularly thrilled to see her engaged in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes, however, it must be conceded that Luca Cumani's decision was fully justified as she finished second, despite not enjoying the clearest of runs, and gained valuable black type in the process. She still has plenty more to offer given her physical appearance and the way she shaped in the Rockfel.

Finally, as expected, Princess Caetani relished the combination of soft underfoot conditions and an emphasis on stamina, returning to form with a creditable second. She simply bumped into a well handicapped and progressive rival in Nicholascopernicus, and should continue to be of interest.

Looking at the week ahead, there aren't too many Notebook selections that hold entries, but Glorious Protector, an encouraging sixth on debut, would have solid claims if taking up his engagement at Haydock on Friday. Barren Brook has disappointed of late but isn't one to completely rule out off his current mark. He runs at Nottingham on Wednesday and can hopefully bounce back to form.

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