My Timeform: Three handicappers to note

Jupiter Des Bordes (Timeform rating c119)

Runner-up, 3m4½f handicap chase, Haydock, Tuesday 30 December

Egbert was able to dictate a very steady gallop which helped him fend off the challenge of the patiently-ridden Jupiter des Bordes, but the runner-up shaped well given how the race developed and put in some good late work to get to within three-quarters of a length. Jupiter des Bordes had won a three-mile handicap at Warwick on his previous outing and thoroughly saw out the longer trip at Haydock. Indeed, he'd have preferred a stiffer test at the trip and remains with more to offer as a staying chaser. He's only rising seven and will have a much more positive profile than the largely exposed rivals he'll meet in these marathon handicaps.

Sommesky (h131p)

Fell, 2m3f handicap hurdle, Punchestown, Wednesday 31 December

Henry de Bromhead’s Sommesky was tried a couple of times in graded company as a novice hurdler last season, including against Final Demand at the Dublin Racing Festival, but he’s progressing in the calmer waters of handicaps this season. He shaped as though needing the run on his return at Naas in November and was in the process of improving on that and looking set to win when falling at the last at Punchestown. Always prominent and going with enthusiasm, he led entering the straight and was around three lengths clear when he came down, giving the impression he’d won by a length or so from the strong-finishing Linden Arden had he completed. Effective under softer conditions than he encountered here – he won his bumper on heavy – Sommesky is likely to be of significant interest in a similar event next time.

Coul Angel (108)

Sixth, 6f handicap, Southwell, Thursday 1 January

Coul Angel made into a useful sprint handicapper for Mick Appleby in 2025, winning five times, but for the second race running left the impression that he should probably have added to his tally. He ended up being left with too much to do when runner-up on his previous start at Kempton, but this time it was trouble in running which cost him a winning chance, twice getting checked in his run. Pushed along early in the straight, he was keeping on when hampered inside the final furlong and forced to switch, only to run into more trouble in the final hundred yards, beaten just over two lengths into sixth behind favourite Pocklington. A winner at Kempton and Southwell in the early months of last year, Coul Angel remains a progressive sprinter and should be back to winning ways soon.