The Notebook - 18th July 2026

Not every big performance results in a headline victory. Sometimes it is the subtle runs, the late headway, the eye-catching move through the field, or the effort despite unfavourable conditions, that signal a horse ready to strike next time. Here are four runners who caught the eye this week and may be worth adding to your tracker for future races...

MERRIMACK

Merrimack always gave me the impression he often finishes in the places but finds one or two too good every time he steps on the track. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see he has won five races from 37. Whilst that statistic isn’t mind-blowing, he has finished in the first three 18 times, highlighting his reliability and consistent nature. He is equally as effective over five furlongs or six. He boasts plenty of speed for the minimum trip but generally hits the line well, keeping on as others tire. I don’t think there is loads of wiggle room off a mark of 69, but all it takes is a couple of rivals to under-perform and he could get his head back in front. A return to Brighton would also aid his chances, as he has won twice at that venue.

JIMMY MARK

Jimmy Mark has only won races at Bath and Ffos Las so for win purposes, if he is racing anywhere else, I’d put a line through him. He went into my tracker after his seasonal and stable debut for Zoe Hawkins, when finishing runner up back in May. He under-performed at Windsor, but bounced back at his beloved Bath this week, finishing second behind a very un-exposed rival from the Adrian Wintle team. He travelled smoothly through the race and hit the front at the furlong pole, before being reeled in by the well-fancied winner. He is capable of winning races off a mark of 55 and I will be monitoring him closely.

MY FRIEND SEAN

Continuing the theme of course specialists, My Friend Sean has won three times from five visits to Uttoxeter and added a very valiant second place on Wednesday. He had a bit to prove coming into the race, after two dismal efforts at Kempton and Southwell, so it was pleasing to see him return to form this week. He is still a maiden over fences (0-7) but won five times over the smaller obstacles and I would not rule out a return to that discipline. If he could transfer his hurdle form to fences, he’d effectively be 7lbs well in, winning off a mark of 115 back in May 2025. He can win more races, albeit if he bombed out it wouldn’t be a shock either. Risky.

ADELAIDE BAY

If it could have gone wrong, it did for Adelaide Bay at Wolverhampton on Tuesday and as someone who backed him, it left me tearing my hair out. He was badly hampered at the start, then cajoled along for the duration of the seven-furlong trip before weakening in the closing stages. In all truth, the race was over as soon as they left the stalls. He was the subject of strong market support throughout the day but the performance was so bad it is one where you put a line through it and try your best to forget. A smoother passage next time would be welcomed.