Timeform Notebook: Polar Venture capable of better

Sent off as a well-supported 9-4 favourite at Haydock on Saturday, the William Haggas-trained Polar Venture was, on the face of it, a disappointment, only managing to finish fifth. However, on reflection, nothing went right for the unexposed four-year-old and it is surely worth giving him another chance to prove the notion that he is an extremely well-handicapped horse.

Polar Venture was making his first start on turf at Haydock, but there is little reason to suspect that the half-brother to Dever Dream - a smart sprinter on turf - will need an artificial surface to show his best. Having stumbled coming out of the stalls, forfeiting some ground in the process, Polar Venture's rider made the decision to follow the group coming down the centre of the course. As it transpired, with the action taking place down the stands' side rail, this was a crucial mistake as Polar Venture found himself poorly positioned, unable to land a serious blow. He did, however, make a promising move with a furlong to run and is certainly capable of better.

Polar Venture didn't make it to the racecourse as a juvenile; in fact, he made his debut late on as a three-year-old, finishing third at Wolverhampton last November. However, he somewhat made up for lost time over the winter, winning a pair of six-furlong handicaps at Lingfield - beating the well-handicapped Khawatim  on the latter occasion- prior to finishing second to the gambled-on improver Yeeoow. The subsequent exploits of Khawatim and Yeeoow give real strength to the Polar Venture's form and he looks sure to capitalise on his lenient-looking mark in the not too distant future.

Timeform Notebook:

Not a lot to report on the Notebook front as Jamaican Bolt was once again a late withdrawal from a valuable handicap at York, presumably due to the ground; he will be of real interest when conditions are on the soft side.

Jamaican Bolt - Of interest in five-furlong handicaps with cut in the ground.
Mombasa - Of interest in handicaps, particularly if stepped up to one and a half miles.
Loving Spirit - One to note in seven furlong or one-mile handicaps.
Border Legend - Remains unexposed and one to bear in mind for handicaps.
Galileo Rock - A strong stayer who can make an impact at Group level when the emphasis is on stamina.
Pether's Moon - An unexposed, progressive three-year-old that started life in handicaps on a good mark.
Salford Red Devil - Plenty of promise on debut and well up to winning a maiden.
Cape Peron - Ultra-progressive three-year-old that already looks like a group-class performer
Polar Venture - An unexposed, well-handicapped sprinter capable of better

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!