Timeform Notebook: Exotic Man to pay for the holiday

Exotic Man shaped nicely at Musselburgh on New Year's Day

Following a busy festive period, Timeform point out three horses that caught the eye and could be worth following in the coming weeks...

Having his first start for Malcolm Jefferson since arriving from Elizabeth Doyle, Renoyr ran out a comfortable winner of a novices' handicap hurdle at Doncaster, beating an interesting rival, Blackwater King, with a bit in hand. Well backed, Renoyr travelled noticeably powerfully throughout the contest, overcoming a couple of sloppy jumps at the final two flights to pick it up on the run to the line. He obviously remains open to plenty of improvement for his new yard and that Doncaster win could well turn out to be a useful bit of form.

Hired Hand was no match for the prolific Home Run when they clashed at Taunton, but there was plenty of encouragement to take from the effort of Jonjo O'Neill's charge and he looks like one to keep on the right side of. Having been outpaced as they swung for home, Hired Hand stayed on in taking fashion, not knocked about in the closing stages, giving the impression that he has plenty more to give for his current yard. He is very much unexposed and it is well worth watching out for any positive market moves. 

A half-brother to the top-class Exotic Dancer, the John Wade-trained Exotic Man may lack his sibling's innate talent, but he certainly looks up to winning races off his handicap mark of 110. Exotic Man could finish only fourth on his most recent outing at Musselburgh, but that doesn't tell the entire story as he shaped like the best horse at the weights, making stylish ground before stumbling at a pivotal part of the race. His eye-catching effort on New Year's Day was not the first time he had created a positive impression and he remains with the potential for better over fences, having had only the three starts in that sphere

Notebook Debrief:

There were plenty of Notebook representatives in action over the festive period and we won't bore you by listing every entry, instead we'll run through some of the pleasing and particularly disappointing performances.

Starting on the positives, Puffin Billy continues to look like a horse out of the top drawer, easing clear on the bridle to land the Grade 2 Kennel Gate novices' hurdle. There is still room for improvement in the jumping department and it will be interesting to see where he ends up, with the Supreme and the Neptune both remaining as viable festival targets.

Technological advances are generally a good thing. However, backers of Notebook-entrant Merry King in the Tommy Whittle Chase may be ruing Haydock's impressive camera, which determined Jonjo O'Neill's horse had narrowly failed to join Cannington Brook on the line. A progressive sort with solid form, Merry King will surely continue to give a good account and his effectiveness on testing ground will stand him in good stead.

Ifyouletmefinish also deserves a positive mention, losing out to Landscape in a driving finish at Taunton, the pair pulling well clear of the remainder. As anticipated, Jeremy Scott's runner relished the step up in trip and is very much one to be interested in next time. It should be noted he holds a couple of engagements this weekend.

Hopes were high that Saint Roque would prove to be far superior to a mark of 118, but he failed to build on a promising reappearance effort, never travelling well as he finished fifth at Kempton. It was a disappointing performance, but it is too soon to be writing him off and he is worth another chance, particularly on better ground.

Able Deputy was turned out quickly after his first-flight exit at Haydock, running at Kempton only five days later, weakening in the closing stages having made brief headway. It is possible that the run came too soon, but he will need to bounce back if he is to be involved in the finish next time.

Yurok, who had provided the Notebook with a win on his previous start, seemingly failed to stay when trailing in last of three at Kelso. He will remain of interest, however, if returned to distances of no more than two-and-three-quarter miles.

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.