Thursday Racing Tips: Key Timeform data including an improving Horse In Focus at Wincanton

• Bathgate can go one better than at Sedgefield

• Special John remains capable of better for new yard

• In-form Dingwall has clear chance on ratings

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Market Rasen, 12:20 - Top-rated Bathgate is on a fair mark

Bathgate was unable to reward strong support at Sedgefield ten days ago, but he returned to form and found only a rejuvenated stable switcher too strong. 

Bathgate impressed with how he moved travelled that contest, moving like one ahead of his mark, and even though he had to settle for second he deserves credit for pulling 16 lengths clear of the third.

He's able to run off the same mark here - which is 2 lb below the mark he defied emphatically at Catterick last season - and he heads Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings by 4 lb.

Wincanton, 15:10 - 'Horse In Focus' Special John has more to offer

Special John was well backed on his chasing debut and first start for Sam Thomas at Exeter last month and he found enough to reward that support, just getting the better of another unexposed type running over fences for the first time. 

Special John only scored by a short head but he pulled eight lengths clear of the third and was awarded the Horse In Focus Flag from Timeform's reporter to mark him out as one likely to be of firm interest next time. 

He has a 7 lb higher mark to contend with here but still looks on a fair mark, especially as he is the only runner in the race with the Timeform 'small p' to show that further improvement is expected.

Chelmsford, 20:30 - Top-rated Dingwall can make amends for demotion

The intervention of the stewards denied Dingwall a hat-trick at Wolverhampton on Monday, but he still ran up to his best on Timeform's ratings and underlined that he's in excellent order at present. 

Dingwall didn't channel his energy efficiently during that contest as he pulled his way to the front soon after halfway, but he still found enough to narrowly pass the post in front - with three and a quarter lengths back to the third - but the placings were reversed due to some interference before the straight. 

Dingwall is well treated off the same mark as last time and comes out 6 lb clear on Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings, so he has a fine chance to quickly make amends for his recent demotion.

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