My Timeform: Three placed horses to be positive about

Emerald Army (Timeform rating 67)

Third, 6f handicap, Catterick, Tuesday 28 October

Emerald Army had disappointed on a few occasions but bounced back to form when beaten only a length and a half in third at Catterick, shaping better than the bare result to boot. Emerald Army, who was fitted with a tongue tie for the first time and attracted support, was ridden patiently but made headway approaching the final furlong and stayed on well, narrowly missing out on second. As usual when the ground is testing at Catterick, the runners headed over to the stands' rail in the straight. Emerald Army was forced to make his bid furthest from the rail so can have his effort upgraded, and he is one to watch out for having dipped below his last winning mark.

Mister Sandman (64)

Runner-up, 6f handicap, Bath, Thursday 30 October

Mister Sandman had shaped well when finishing a close-up fourth at Lingfield on his final start for Peter Crate, and he also caught the eye when starting out for Gary and Josh Moore at Bath. Mister Sandman was soon on the backfoot as he reared leaving the stalls and lost ground. He could never get near enough to land a blow on the prominently-ridden winner, Cameley Days, but there was a lot to like about the smooth headway he made and how well he kept on to prove best of the rest. His last couple of efforts suggest he's on a handy mark when things drop right, and he could still have a bit more to offer for his new yard.

Strong Foundations (c110p)

Runner-up, 2m3½f handicap chase, Wetherby, Saturday 1 November

Strong Foundations had shown fair form over hurdles, but as a pointing graduate with a rangy physique he always appealed as the type to do better over fences, and he duly improved on last season's efforts when sent chasing at Wetherby on Saturday. Strong Foundations couldn't get on terms with the front-running winner who was aided by a terrific round of jumping, but he kept on encouragingly into second, offering plenty to work with. He should do better when faced with a stiffer test of stamina and, with improvement anticipated, looks likely to win handicaps this season.