Timeform Notebook: Puffin breathes easily

Three horses caught the eye at Ascot on Saturday...

Timeform highlight a trio of horses that were in action at Ascot on Saturday...

Having hinted at possessing ability when winning a pair of novice hurdles last term, Claret Cloak, reappearing after a seven-month absence in what looked like a particularly strong event, shaped really well on his handicap debut at Ascot. He eventually finished third to Raya Star, beaten by a couple of lengths, but he shaped better than the bare result implies, comfortably faring best of those who raced prominently, impressing with his jumping and with the ease in which he took up the running. Some of Emma Lavelle's horses have been improving for the run this season and any further progress from the unexposed Claret Cloak will make him very hard to beat.

Frisco Depot had been moving ominously well prior to suffering a nasty-looking fall when firmly in contention and he could develop into a handicapper to follow. He had displayed some smart form when in the care of Dessie Hughes last year and the way he moved through the race on Saturday suggests that he may fare even better with his new trainer Charlie Longsdon. He was fairly keen in the early stages but was still travelling well prior to his departure and, providing Saturday's heavy fall doesn't leave a mark, he should go close next time.

The performance of Puffin Billy will not have escaped the attention of many people on, but he is certainly worth including in the Notebook, such was the dominance he displayed on Saturday. Entering the contest with one run next to his name, where he registered a facile, wide-margin success at Fontwell last season, Puffin Billy defied a penalty with consummate ease, hardly having to come off the bridle to draw clear of his rivals. The manner in which he travels through his races marks him down as an exciting prospect and he should certainly be capable of making an impact if sent hurdling.

Runners Debrief:

Not too many Notebook horses have been seen of late as the focus switches from the Flat to the National Hunt action; last week Semeen was our only representative. Semeen, absent for the best part of two months, ran a respectable race at Lingfield, finishing in sixth place. She remains relatively unexposed and a step up to twelve furlongs should help her to produce an improved performance.

Restaurateur is the only Notebook entrant that holds an engagement later in the week, but we are pretty positive about his chances should he turn up at Lingfield on Thursday. His profile is starting to suggest that he may be at his best on the all-weather, so a big performance is expected from Andrew Balding's contender on the polytrack.

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