My Timeform: Three eye-catchers to keep in mind

Across Earth (Timeform rating h113)

Third, 2m handicap hurdle, Kempton, Monday 24 November

The field remained tightly bunched until the home turn but this still strikes as an above-average race of its type, with three runners here last-time-out winners, one of those coming from last to first to score with a bit up his sleeve. Across Earth had shown much-improved form when making a winning return from seven months off at Hereford earlier this month and he remains a horse to be positive about. He again ran well from an 8lb higher mark, looking unlucky not to finish closer as he had to sit and wait hemmed in on the rail while the race was unfolding around him. Across Earth finished his race to good effect, though, and there is better still to come under the right circumstances.

So Regal (84p)

Third, 7f maiden, Chelmsford, Thursday 27 November

The slower of the two divisions of this maiden, but that was mostly on account of the steadier pace, and it reflects well on the first three that pulled clear, positioning and experience proving crucial as Pierchic was able to get off the mark. However, she wouldn't be sure to beat the second next time and would be most unlikely to hold off the third So Regal given the ground she made up in the straight. She's bred in the purple, out of the very smart Queen's Trust who won the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, and she was well found in the betting for her debut. So Regal shaped like the best horse at the weights, too, having to come wide on the home turn, and taking time to hit to gear in the straight, lacking the know-how of the winner but not beaten far. She should improve for this experience, perhaps markedly so, and is up to winning a similar event next time.

Leader In The Park (c134)

Runner-up, 2m6f handicap chase, Newbury, Saturday 29 November

This handicap chase was run at a sound pace and the form has a solid look to it, the winner outstaying the runner-up, both setting themselves up for a good second season over fences. Leader In The Park emerged with plenty of credit on his return from eight months off, travelling with enthusiasm and jumping well in the main, giving way to the favourite only in the final 100 yards. There should be more to come from him, he's clearly on a workable mark, and will have no problem dropping back to two and a half miles, the Topham at Aintree a possible long-term aim given his sound jumping technique.