Lequinto (Timeform rating 78+)
Runner-up, 6f handicap, Wolverhampton, Monday 6 January
Lequinto had shaped well from a tumbling mark when a running-on third at Lingfield on New Year's Eve and he produced an even better effort when runner-up at Wolverhampton on Monday, leaving the impression that he's in good enough form to capitalise on his fall in the weights. Lequinto was beaten only a length at Wolverhampton and would have finished closer had he not been short of room in the straight and conceded first run. He ran on well and will be seen to better effect when granted a stronger gallop to chase, so he is one to note having competed on Monday off a mark 15 lb lower than the BHA rating he defied in June 2023.
Brosay (94)
Runner-up, 6f handicap, Lingfield, Thursday 9 January
Brosay made a successful stable debut for Paul Attwater (previously with Diego Dias) at Southwell a couple of weeks ago and he looked unlucky not to follow up at Lingfield. Brosay ended up further back than ideal after he was slightly hampered leaving the stalls and he had plenty of ground to make up in the straight, but he kept on strongly and missed out by only a head, despite being bumped close home. He has made a positive start for this yard, has shown his effectiveness over five and six furlongs and remains one to keep on side.
Bantz (62)
Third, 7f handicap, Newcastle, Saturday 11 January
Bantz remains a maiden and continues to edge down the weights but he shaped well here and looks up to winning races at this sort of level. Bantz was still going well a couple of furlongs out but found himself short of room and unable to fully open up until switched inside the final furlong. He ran on well to take third close home and is one to look out for on the back of this encouraging effort, particularly with Gemma Tutty's horses in such good nick at present.