My Timeform: Three eyecatchers from the last week's racing

Great Choice – Wincanton, Thursday January 15

The ground on Somerset National day was about as testing as it gets at Wincanton and, as well as putting the emphasis on stamina, in a few cases it made it difficult to rein in the leaders. Both probably contributed to the substandard showing by Great Choice, so he remains one to be positive about.

Great Choice is a point winner, but he’s not looked at all short of speed over hurdles so far. Perhaps the most obvious example of that would be his Cheltenham run over 17 furlongs the time before, where he finished second to Chesterfield in a race that has worked out every bit as well as you’d expect. He arguably paid for making the boldest attempt to overthrow the well-ridden Private Malone at Wincanton and time will show that even bolder as the winner is bound for better races. Great Choice will still be qualified for 0-125 handicaps and, back at around two and a half miles, he will be extremely interesting for any race at that level and probably some better ones, too.

Traffic Fluide – Ascot, Saturday January 17

It’s perhaps not the most revelatory statement to say that Traffic Fluide, along with long-time combatant Village Vic, came out of the race at Ascot on Saturday won by Kings Lad in a positive light. His previous profile, which had led so many at Timeform to view him so positively beforehand, firms up the idea that you should be with him next time.

After a British debut in Grade 2 novice company that was promising in all but a numerical sense, Traffic Fluide essentially confirmed on Saturday that he’s better than a BHA mark of 125. He and Village Vic were travelling best quite a way out but Joshua Moore and Richard Johnson were drawn into a battle too quickly, compromising both of their chances in the finish as Kings Lad stayed on under the more patient Daryl Jacob. The winner had been a wide-margin winner the time before and Village Vic was well handicapped on his hurdles form, so for Traffic Fluide to split them advertises his credentials even before bringing in the specific context of the race. Though fancy prices are unlikely, Traffic Fluide is bound to take plenty of stopping next time.

Waldorf Salad – Exeter, Sunday January 18

Waldorf Salad has always promised to make a better chaser, so for him to make his debut in that sphere from a mark that he might have won from over hurdles is a good start. Though he failed to win on his chasing debut, there was more than enough promise to suggest that he won’t be long in setting that right.

The three-mile novice handicap at Exeter on Sunday is likely to prove stronger than the bare form allows. A few of them are sure to do better for experience and the omission of fences possibly jumbled the result among those able to do themselves justice on the day. You certainly got the impression that more jumping wouldn’t have affected Waldorf Salad, who took to the larger obstacles notably well. He briefly got involved early in the straight and, though he couldn’t beat either the well-backed Buckhorn Tom or the favourably-treated Alberobello, he wasn’t beaten far and should be able to do a little better next time.

Tried My Timeform yet? You can add detailed notes, keep your eye-catchers organised and decide when you receive e-mail alerts when your horses run. And best of all, it's FREE! Find out more HERE.."