“Discover the Latest Standout Cinema Highlights”
Filmogaz.com presents James Flaherty’s latest Eyecatchers. He pins down horses likely to improve in the coming weeks. Readers can add his weekly updates to their ATR Tracker.
Discover the latest standout highlights from the racing cards. The moments on track can be as dramatic as top cinema scenes.
Quick summary of tracks and dates
Key performances came at Curragh, Newbury, Newcastle and Naas. Dates ranged from 15 to 22 March. Each performance suggested future progression for the named runners.
Contrary To Law — Curragh, 15 March
Contrary To Law is a Night Of Thunder colt trained by Johnny Murtagh. He was slowly away but finished with purpose on his third start.
Connections believe stamina will suit him. His dam’s offspring generally thrive over a mile and beyond.
Holetown — Newbury, 20 March
Holetown is a six-year-old mare trained by Venetia Williams. She ran off a mark six pounds higher than for her Ludlow win and finished third.
She lost ground after being squeezed on the back straight. Softer going and a stiffer test over three miles should help her progress from a mark of 113.
Name Me Nicely — Newbury, 20 March
Name Me Nicely featured in the column in January after a maiden hurdle third. He has since improved in handicaps and went very close in this race.
He looks one-paced over hurdles but should gain more for the switch to fences. He may start next season on a mark around 115.
Lisbane Park — Newbury, 21 March
Lisbane Park was previously tracked with a view to novice chases next season. He jumps his hurdles high, losing time, but shows scope for improvement over fences.
The gelding is a son of Walk In The Park from Joe Tizzard’s yard. He should be dangerous in early-season novice handicaps off his current rating.
Wareeth — Newcastle, 21 March
Wareeth made a highly eye-catching flat debut at Newcastle. He won by a big margin and was eased down in the closing stages.
The form may need confirmation, but the runner-up had previously finished behind Zambezi River. Zambezi River carries a BHA rating of 73.
Simmering Seas — Naas, 22 March
Simmering Seas suffered a clipped-heel and stumble inside the penultimate furlong. She lost momentum while waiting for a gap and still recovered well to finish sixth.
Without that incident she likely would have finished closer, perhaps fourth. Connections could find she is well treated on handicap marks if she builds on this.
What this means for trackers and punters
Flaherty highlights horses with clear improvement markers. These runners are sensible additions to an ATR Tracker watchlist.
Follow his weekly notes to spot those ready to move up. You can also follow James on Twitter at @JFlaRacingNerd for brief updates.
