Timeform Notebook: Mankini to run up a sequence

Mankini registered his first success at Newmarket

In the latest edition of the Notebook, Timeform highlight a horse that has the potential to climb the handicap ranks... 

Making his return to the track after 12 months off, the Luca Cumani-trained Mankini showed improved form on his handicap debut to register a one-length success and it is highly likely that he will continue to progress with experience. Mankini failed to make an impression in three starts over one mile in maiden company last year, but, following a gelding operation and a break, he returned to the track with the profile of a horse that could prove to be far superior to a mark of 60 once faced with a greater test of stamina.

As it turned out, the pace in Friday's ten-furlong handicap was no more than fair, but Mankini still managed to defy his opening mark, making smooth headway before showing a good attitude under pressure to fend off a battle-hardened rival. Although he had to fight hard for the victory, the suspicion remains that a greater test of stamina will suit Mankini better, while he is entitled to be even sharper next time with the benefit of that run under his belt. 

The fact that he is bred to be smart, being a son of Italian Oaks winner Fashion Statement, also bodes well for the four-year-old's future prospects and he looks sure to stay one step ahead of the assessor.

Timeform Notebook

Happily, we have a Notebook winner to report as Salford Red Devil managed to land his maiden in the style of a promising juvenile. The Marwan Koukash-owned two-year-old has made his first two racecourse appearances at Chester and hasn't fared well with the draw on either occasion, breaking from the widest stalls both times. 

Franny Norton - arguably the best rider of the unique Chester track - tried bouncing Salford Red Devil out quickly to secure a good position; however, he ended up caught wide, helping to force a furious early gallop. Having seen off the early pacesetters, Salford Red Devil stuck to his task well and registered a comfortable two-length success, looking value for at least double that margin as he was eased down close home. Tellingly, the other horses that helped set the pace (including the favourite, Atlantic Affair) faded badly in the closing stages, the strong early gallop taking its toll, so Salford Red Devil's performance deserves marking up further.

Given the speed he has shown, a trip to Royal Ascot to contest the Windsor Castle Stakes would not appear fanciful and he is retained on our list of horses to follow.

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
Polar Venture - An unexposed, well-handicapped sprinter capable of better
Integral - Impressive winner of only start open to plenty of improvement
Mankini - Will be difficult to beat in handicaps over 10 furlongs or further

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