My Timeform: Three horses to follow

Bobbi With An I (Timeform rating: h109p)

Runner-up, 2½m mares' handicap hurdle, Wincanton, Tuesday 16 December

Bobbi With An I had to settle for second at Wincanton but she ran well behind one who has compiled an impressive strike rate in handicaps and showed enough to suggest she's capable of winning similar events. Bobbi With An I was ridden more patiently than the winner, Apples Moon, who was able to secure first run, which possibly proved the difference in a tactical affair. There was a lot to like about how Bobbi With An I moved through that race, however, and she also kept on well up the run-in after briefly getting outpaced. She looks capable of a bigger performance under more favourable circumstances.

Dust Cover (77+)

Runner-up, 1m3f handicap, Southwell, Thursday 18 December

This is probably slightly deeper than the typical 0-65 at this time of year, with five of the first six home three-year-olds, and Dust Cover shaped best in defeat. He had shown much improved form to win over this course and distance on his previous start and he was sent off an odds-on favourite from a 5lb higher mark, but he was unable to get going quite soon enough to reel in a winner who was that bit better positioned throughout. Dust Cover lost his momentum briefly when the eventual winner was carried into his path, but finished his race to good effect and only narrowly failed to follow up. He'll remain of plenty of interest in similar events, especially if found an opportunity over a mile and a half.

Leave of Absence (c146)

Runner-up, 3m handicap chase, Ascot, Saturday 20 December

There was no hiding place in this good-quality handicap and the winner of the previous two renewals managed only fifth this time around, which in itself could be construed as a positive for the form of a race that featured a thrilling climax, with a pair of closers split by Leave of Absence, who did everything but win having made his move before them. He wasted no time bouncing back to form away from bottomless ground, denied in agonising fashion by another progressive type whose move came later, while the absence of a tongue tie seemingly had no negative impact on a zestful display. Leave of Absence jumped and travelled well, leading on the bridle jumping three from home and quickened clear in the straight, but he was just unable to hold on at the line. He'll remain of plenty of interest and can go on the early shortlist for races like the Ultima now, especially as he's already shown his effectiveness at Cheltenham.