My Timeform: Three handicappers to note

Irish Nectar (Timeform rating 90)

Runner-up, 6f handicap, Pontefract, Monday 6 October

A soundly-run sprint handicap and a result that makes plenty of sense, Fine Interview returning to his best under optimum conditions to get the better of a couple who came here on the back of good recent efforts. Runner-up Irish Nectar has been shaping up well recently, a confirmed mudlark who built on his eye-catching effort at Ayr the time before, travelling well throughout and being produced with his challenge in the final furlong. He was in front a stride before and after the line, just not getting the rub of the green, but this looks solid form for the grade, and he'll remain one to be interested in while the ground is on the easy side, eligible for lesser handicaps after all.

Huscal (94)

Fifth, 7f handicap, Kempton, Wednesday 8 October

Huscal is still looking for a first win this season but he has posted back-to-back good efforts at Kempton and looks up to defying his current mark. Huscal was only fifth on Wednesday, but he was beaten just a length and half and looked unlucky not to finish closer given he was caught further back than ideal in a contest not run at a great pace, and he was also short of room close home. He was beaten half a length in second over the same course and distance on his only previous start on the all-weather, so he is clearly effective on the surface and could have more to offer under more favourable circumstances.

Respond (97p)

Fifth, 1½m handicap, Newmarket, Friday 10 October

Respond was a beaten favourite in the Old Rowley Cup but he shaped well in a race that didn't develop in his favour and remains open to improvement. Respond travelled well under a patient ride but, in a race run at a steady gallop, a prominent position proved an advantage and he was unable to overhaul some better-placed rivals and was ultimately beaten around a length and three-quarters in fifth. He had also been at a disadvantage when third in another steadily-run race at Doncaster on his handicap debut last month, and he has a bigger effort in his locker when getting a stronger gallop to chase. It's worth noting the form of his Haydock maiden win in August has worked out well, with runner-up Mukhtalif winning both subsequent starts, including on his handicap debut at York on Friday.