The Notebook - 23rd April 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...

Jericoacoara

Micky Hammond’s horses have been running well without many getting their heads in front, and Jericoacoara’s second at Kelso was another strong effort in defeat. He bumped into a gutsy rival, who controlled the tempo of the race and showed an incredibly game attitude to repel his rivals. As for the runner-up, he yet again produced an admirable effort in defeat, resulting in him now placing in all three starts in 2026. This was the fastest surface he had encountered, and I get the impression that a slower surface may be the key to winning races with him. He raced on very soft surfaces for previous French trainer Davide Satalia, and a bit of winter ground may unlock an extra few pounds of improvement.

Kim Roque

The unique test the Scottish Grand National provides presented no issues for Kim Roque, who produced another consistent effort when finishing third on Saturday. Whilst from a win point of view he has been frustrating, he has given his running in every start this season, running to Racing Post Ratings of 130+ on every start this calendar year. This latest podium effort, combined with his fifth at the Dublin Racing Festival and his fourth in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival, outlines the ability this horse possesses. It is remarkable he is still a maiden since joining Joseph O’Brien, but there will be a good race in him, albeit knowing which one is proving a difficult task.

Came From Nowhere

In a race which strung out the runners across the entirety of Scotland, Came From Nowhere looked the only horse to threaten the winner Knomorediamonds in what looked like a gruelling contest. It was his second start since wind surgery, and this progressive seven-year-old is clearly still on the upgrade, holding his form well in deep races. He won two nice races at Hereford and Ascot during the winter, beating the likes of Good To Be Alive from Olly Murphy’s yard and Tripoli Flyer from the Fergal O’Brien team, both of which are held in high regard. It is difficult to put a limit on his ability, but he is progressive, and it would be dangerous to assume he isn’t going to keep improving. If this latest performance hasn’t left a mark, he will be of big interest next time out.

Shabab Al Ahli

Finally, in what looked like a hot novice race on paper, Shabab Al Ahli stuck to his task well after being outpaced and is clearly not lacking in stamina. You could have thrown a blanket on the first six, as potential superstars from the Gosden, Haggas and Beckett yards all locked horns, but I would be keeping the Godolphin horse on side moving forward. He looked in trouble as they quickened and is evidently still learning on the job, but I thought the way he boxed on and finished his race was encouraging. He will no doubt step up in trip in the future, and a bit of cut in the ground may suit his knee action as he looks a proper grinder. There are probably worse bets for the Derby at 50/1…