Check out the latest Timeform Eyecatchers and add them to your free My Stable tracker.
This was essentially a graded race in all but name as it featured four last-time-out winners, so Siog Geal faced a much tougher task than when successful in a mares' novice at Catterick on her hurdling debut.
However, Siog Geal shaped with encouragement in a contest that tested speed over stamina, sticking to her task well in the style of one who will benefit from a step up in trip.
Siog Geal raced in touch but was outpaced on the long run to the second last. She rallied well up the run-in, though, and ultimately was beaten only two and three-quarter lengths in fourth, finishing behind some promising mares. There should be more to come from Siog Geal over hurdles.
Timeform Eyecatcher: Saturday
CASUAL OBSERVER
Fifth, 2m5f handicap hurdle, Haydock, Saturday 18 January
This looked a good-quality handicap hurdle on paper, and the first two were nicely clear with both giving their all in a pulsating finish, but there were some promising performances in-behind too, most notably Casual Observer.
Less exposed than the rest, Casual Observer looked ahead of his opening mark and shaped better than the bare result after 10 months off, held up towards the rear and worst affected by the scrimmaging as the race was beginning to unfold and deserving plenty of credit for getting back into contention.
Ultimately that effort took its toll on his first start since March, as he was found wanting for a change of gear (will be suited by three miles) late on, but there's lots to like about him physically and he's one to note for next time.
Heathcliff enjoyed a productive year in 2024, winning on four occasions and improving his BHA handicap mark from 69 to 91, and he looks set for another good campaign based on his promising return from ten weeks off at Newcastle on Friday.
Heathcliff was beaten only a length and three-quarters in fourth in a competitive handicap and he shaped better than the result would suggest as he was further back than ideal in a steadily-run race and also met trouble when attempting to make headway over a furlong out.
He kept on well when in the clear, leaving the impression that he remains open to improvement, and connections will have plenty of options as he's also effective over seven furlongs.
There was a surprise winner to the Sommerset National, but it is strong-looking form all the same, with both placed horses arriving on the crest of a wave, and the well-handicapped fourth building up a good record over course and distance.
Katate Dori lost his unbeaten record over fences, but still emerged with plenty of credit, his jumping not always fluent, which didn't allow him to get into a proper rhythm.
A standing start and a slow jump at the first meant he was ridden more patiently than recently, but he was still travelling smoothly in touch until successive mistakes at five out, four out and three out put him on the back foot compared to the other principals.
Katate Dori stayed on well to the line, though, and he remains a chaser to keep on the right side moving forward, sure to win more races this season, particularly if his jumping sharpens up.
Job showed improved form and looked well suited by the stiffer test of stamina when making a successful handicap debut at Southwell last month and he ran at least as well in defeat at Newbury on Wednesday.
Job jumped well at the head of affairs and he stuck to his task gamely after he was headed on the home turn, impressing with his attitude as he split another couple of last-time-out winners.
He looks like a thorough stayer and remains relatively unexposed over three miles, so there could be more to come, especially when he goes chasing next season.
This was a steadily-run contest, the winner stepping up in trip and always in the right place how this unfolded, while the well-backed runner-up, Comte de Loir, shaped with considerable promise to get so close from the rear.
He was much shorter in the betting making his handicap debut over a four-furlong longer trip, and he left the impression he's been handed a good opening mark, while also having no problem with the step up to two miles.
Comte de Loir has the potential to improve further in this sphere and he's one to be interested in for a similar event next time.
Frankies Dream had to settle for second at Lingfield on Tuesday but he went like the best horse at the weights and is one to be positive about at a lowly level.
Frankies Dream was ridden patiently and still had plenty to do over a furlong out but he finished with a flourish to take second close home and was closing rapidly on the all-the-way winner.
He had shown a decent turn of foot for the grade when successful at Wolverhampton on his previous outing and the way he finished at Lingfield suggests he's capable of better under the right circumstances.
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
