Timeform Notebook: Peron a pattern-level performer

Cape Peron looks set to make his mark at a higher level

Timeform highlight an exciting three-year-old surely destined to make his mark in group races...

There were plenty of promising types on display at York's Dante meeting last week, but nothing caught the eye in quite the same fashion as Henry Candy's ultra-impressive Doncaster winner Cape Peron. Making his handicap debut off a mark of 87, the twice-raced Cape Peron was well-backed throughout the day, sent off as the 6-4 favourite, and he ran out an extraordinarily easy four-and-a-half length winner, scoring with any amount in hand. 

As if the performance needs marking up any further, Cape Peron possibly wasn't best placed in a slowly-run race, anchored at the rear of the field. However, he made up his ground effortlessly, cruising up alongside his rivals still firmly on the bridle before delivering an explosive turn of foot that settled the race in a matter of strides. It was the performance of a horse destined to make his mark at a higher level.

There was no element of fluke to the performance. Cape Peron arrived at Doncaster with a big reputation, the form of his Newbury maiden win - where his striking turn of foot was also seen to good effect - having been handsomely boosted a number of times in the preceding 48 hours. He is an exciting, progressive three-year-old and it will be interesting to see when, not if, connections set him a pattern-level assignment.

The Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot has been earmarked as the next target, though given the manner of success the assessor is sure to have his say. Perhaps a drop back to seven furlongs - something unlikely to pose a problem for such a strong-travelling sort - to contest the Group 3 Jersey Stakes may be on the agenda?  Wherever he ends up, it is worth following the progress of Cape Peron.

Timeform Notebook:

Mombasa and Border Legend were both in action last week and although they were both soundly beaten, they remain as horses to be interested in.

Mombasa, who was expected to appreciate the step up to one and a half miles, clearly wasn't at the top of his game, coming under pressure a fair way out and finishing in ninth place. It is far too soon to be writing him off given his lightly-raced profile and he is worth another chance.

Border Legend appeals as a well-handicapped horse based on some strong form last season, but he was possibly asked for his effort too soon at Newmarket, paying the price in the final furlong as he weakened out of contention. He is in better heart than his form figures this season would indicate and he could reward his supporters at decent odds.

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.
Loving Spirit - One to note in seven furlong or one-mile handicaps.
Border Legend - Remains unexposed and one to bear in mind for handicaps.
Galileo Rock - A strong stayer who can make an impact at Group level when the emphasis is on stamina.
Pether's Moon - An unexposed, progressive three-year-old that started life in handicaps on a good mark.
Salford Red Devil - Plenty of promise on debut and well up to winning a maiden.
Cape Peron - Ultra-progressive three-year-old that already looks like a group-class performer

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