My Timeform: Three placed horses to note

Sinnatra (Timeform rating h121p)

Runner-up, 2m maiden hurdle, Newbury, Thursday 6 November

Sinnatra had looked an exciting prospect when making a winning bumper debut for Paul Nicholls last season, and he also shaped with plenty of promise when runner-up on his hurdling debut on his seasonal reappearance and first start for Dan Skelton. He travelled well under a patient ride and made headway to nearly pull upsides Captain Hugo on the run-in, but that rival stuck to his task well to assert in the final 100 yards and score by a length and a half. Sinnatra may not have found as much as the winner, but he still ran to a level good enough to have won most maiden hurdles and is entitled to be sharper with the outing under his belt. As an imposing sort, he's likely to carry on progressing as he matures.

Molly’s Lad (b84)

Runner-up, 2m1f junior bumper, Aintree, Saturday 8 November

Molly’s Lad was very strong in the betting, sent off at 100/30 having been at double-figure odds in the morning, and was unlucky to bump into an impressive winner in Merlin Allen who was also making his debut. He shaped with plenty of encouragement though, coming in for a typical ride for a bumper debutant from the Fergal O’Brien stable, patiently ridden before staying on well after running green to finish eight lengths behind the winner. Molly’s Lad had more of a jumping pedigree than most in the field, with his dam Molly Childers a fairly useful hurdler/chaser up to 25f, suggesting longer trips will suit in due course, but he can improve and win races closer to hand.

Pure Steel (c130p)

Third, 2m beginners' chase, Naas, Sunday 9 November

Winning pointer Pure Steel showed plenty of ability in a couple of starts over hurdles, getting off the mark at Cork at the second attempt, and he shaped with encouragement when third on his chasing debut at Naas. Pure Steel was no match for the impressive winner and was ultimately beaten around 12 lengths, but he went through the race in pleasing fashion and had some promising rivals behind him in a strong-looking beginners' chase. He's entitled to be sharper for that first start since January and his stout pedigree suggests he's likely to do better when stepping up in trip. He has a solid foundation to build on and is a smart prospect.