Timeform Notebook: Keep an eye on Mombasa

Ralph Beckett should be able to get a win out of Mombasa.

Aintree staged its three-day Grand National extravaganza last week but there were also some interesting horses in action on the Flat at Leicester on Friday...

A winner on his final start for John Dunlop last year, the three-year-old Mombasa is now in the care of Ralph Beckett, and, if his seasonal reappearance at Leicester is anything to go by, he could be in for a rewarding campaign. Even if a trainer has a well-handicapped horse there is always a fear, particularly at this time of year and with three-year-olds, that they will simply bump into something with more in hand of the assessor; that appears to be what happened to Mombasa at Leicester.

Sent into an early lead, Mombasa was headed by the eventual winner, High Troja, two furlongs from home, but kept digging deep under pressure, keeping the rest at bay and finishing second, five lengths behind the impressive winner. The fact that Mombasa couldn't throw down a serious challenge to High Troja should not be held against him, for that horse looks to be highly progressive, and it is worth taking a positive view of the effort, especially as the ten-furlong trip could prove to be sharp enough in time. 

Considering the way he responded so gallantly under pressure, in addition to the fact that he is related to some useful middle-distance performers, it would be little surprise were Mombasa capable of showing improved form when faced with a greater test of stamina, the step up to one and a half miles already looking like it could pay handsome dividends. It should also be noted that Mombasa has had only the four starts in his career, Leicester representing his first for Beckett, and he clearly remains open to plenty of improvement. The handicapper is unlikely to be too severe and, while his entry in the Derby looks extremely fanciful, he should certainly prove capable of picking up a race.

2013 Flat Notebook:
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.

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