Timeform Eyecatcher of the Day

Timeform Eyecatcher: Friday

DARK KESTREL

Third, 5f handicap, Newcastle, Friday 19 January

Dark Kestrel failed to make much of an impact on his first couple of starts after joining Antony Brittain from the Gosdens but he shaped well in third at Newcastle on Friday, leaving the impression he's one to be interested in off his current mark.

Dark Kestrel raced in rear after fluffing the start but he made good headway over a furlong out and stayed on to get to within a length and a quarter of the thriving winner.

The way Dark Kestrel stayed on suggests that he will benefit from stepping back up to six furlongs and this offers an encouraging platform from which he can build.

Timeform Eyecatcher: Thursday

VELVET VULCAN

Runner-up, 1½m classified stakes, Southwell, Thursday 18 January

This contest appeals as a good piece of form for a 0-50 classified event as it was run at a true gallop and the first four home all have something to recommend them at this level.

Velvet Vulcan was no match for the winner who has made a very bright start for his new yard, but he shaped with encouragement and looks up to winning a similar event.

Velvet Vulcan, who was fitted with a tongue tie and cheekpieces for the first time, travelled fluently but was short of room when trying to make headway over two furlongs out. He picked his way through the field entering the final furlong, keeping on well into second, and he can do better when getting a clearer shot at things.

Timeform Eyecatcher: Wednesday

HOBB'S DELIGHT

Runner-up, 3m handicap hurdle, Southwell, Thursday 17 January

Hobb's Delight had to settle for second at Southwell on Wednesday but he produced his best effort yet on Timeform's figures, finding only a handicap debutant from a top yard too strong and pulling nine lengths clear of the third.

He had shaped like a stayer when sharing the spoils on his handicap debut over 19 furlongs at Fontwell last month and he duly proved well suited by the longer distance here, sticking to his task well without being able to overhaul the unexposed winner.

Hobb's Delight has made a positive start since entering handicaps, retains untapped potential as a stayer and remains one to be positive about.

Timeform Eyecatcher: Tuesday

WILDFELL

Fifth, 1m handicap, Newcastle, Tuesday 16 January

This looked a competitive handicap beforehand and a steady early gallop resulted in a bunched finish - the first eight home separated by just over three lengths - and Wildfell wasn't seen to best effect given how the race panned out.

He was in excellent form for Peter Chapple-Hyam last year, rattling off a four-timer at Doncaster in June, and he appears to be working his way back to form for this yard.

Wildfell wasn't suited by the steady pace on this occasion, taking a strong hold in midfield and shuffled back to the rear around halfway. He began to make up ground when the race began in earnest but wasn't subjected to too much pressure, staying on without ever posing a real threat. This run suggests he is at least as good as ever, though, and he is a horse to bear in mind moving forward, especially when a stronger gallop looks on the cards.

Timeform Eyecatcher: Monday

SWING THE RING

Fourth, 6f novice, Lingfield, Monday 15 January

Swing The Ring boasts a decent pedigree for the all-weather - he's by Not This Time and out of a winner in the US who has already produced several winners in North America - and he shaped with promise when fourth on debut at Lingfield.

Swing The Ring was strong in the betting but was held back by inexperience, showing that lack of knowhow by breaking slowly and also running green in the straight.

However, he kept on well inside the final furlong under a hands-and-heels ride and, with improvement on the cards, is one to note for a similar event.

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