Timeform Notebook: Society sure to climb the ranks

Not for the first time this season Café Society caught the eye in defeat, shaping extremely well despite failing to justify strong favouritism in an ultra-competitive Ascot handicap, and he looks sure to make amends at some stage.

Slowly away, Café Society was soon anchored in rear and, as a consequence, had plenty of ground to make up as they swung into the short Ascot straight. It was impressive how strongly Café Society finished, making as much ground as any close home, but he simply had too much to do and, in truth, never looked like reeling in the well-ridden winner Excellent Result, doing well to finish within three lengths in fifth.

It was a performance full of promise, however, and David Simcock's upwardly-mobile three-year-old is certainly worth keeping on the right side. A strong-travelling type, Café Society had also caught the eye at Ascot on his previous start - which probably explains why he was only 3/1 in such a competitive event on Saturday - and he remains lightly raced and unexposed. A decent prize looks well within his grasp, although it is worth noting that he isn't sure to offer great value next time having created such a positive impression the last twice.

Timeform Notebook:

It was a quiet week on the Notebook front with just Mankini in action. Mankini arrived at Haydock with a positive profile having won three of his four starts this season, but he had gone up 10 lb since the latest of those wins and struggled to make an impression against better rivals, weakening to finish last of five at Haydock. Mankini is capable of bouncing back but the percentage call is to remove him from the Notebook for the time being.

Galileo Rock - Performed well at the top level and looks an ideal St Leger candidate.
Pether's Moon - Authoritative winner at Goodwood last time, could make an impact at listed level or above.
Cape Peron - Has shaped very well in two ultra-competitive handicaps. Pattern-level performer.
Integral - Boasts a good strike-rate and looks sure to continue winning races at Pattern level.
Kingman - Impressive on both starts and one of this season's leading juveniles.
Deserted - Showed a good attitude to win on handicap debut at Yarmouth.
Brass Ring - Form has worked out exceptionally well and is extremely well treated.
Our Queenie - Ran to a strong timefigure on last start and should excel in nursery company for the rest of the season.
Breden - Twice successful this term and better than he showed when unsuited by steady pace at Sandown.
Midnight Rider - A strong-travelling sprinter who is ready to strike granted a strong pace.
Music Master - Consistent performer who is effective over seven furlongs but promises to be suited by six.
Spiritoftomintoul - Completely unexposed over staying distances.
Cafe Society - Strong-travelling type who has shaped extremely well in defeat on his latest two outings.

Have you checked out our new, improved Facebook page? It's the place to go for our features & tips!