The Notebook - 26th March 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 against 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 notebook for future races...

Rukaana

There should be more to come from Rukaana, who would have likely won at Kempton on Monday had it not been for some scruffy jumping at the back end of the race. He repeatedly got on terms with the leader as they approached the obstacles, but sacrificed lengths at each hurdle and despite closing again at the line, was unable to reel him in. He is moderately progressive for the O’Neill team, winning at Windsor at the beginning of the year before backing that effort up with a strong second place at Catterick. After running to an okay level on the flat over intermediate trips, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him race over a little further and this theory is supported by the way he hit the line on this latest occasion.

Valadon

If Valadon’s jumping could improve, he is surely well handicapped off 115 and it was a decent enough effort when finishing third at Wincanton this week. He never travelled with particular enthusiasm, resulting in his in-play odds to rocket and jockey Bryan Carver to get to work earlier than he would have liked. Nevertheless, his urgings were rewarded and he began to pass horses and challenge the leaders towards the closing stages of the race. Seemingly, he got tired towards the end and had to settle for third but finishing on the podium seemed unlikely midway through the race. It will be interesting to see how he runs next time out.

Known Warrior

At a very moderate level, there may be a race in Known Warrior who shaped with potential when second to a progressive rival at Southwell on Tuesday. He travelled really sweetly and looked the most likely winner as he loomed alongside the long-time front runner. It was his best performance to date and has now produced Racing Post Ratings of 100+ in his last three starts. There are a couple of notes of caution attached. The winner made a couple of significant jumping errors and still won, which would concern me for the runner up and in similar vein, after travelling all over the winner, I’d be worried he never went through with his effort and got out-battled. Regardless, it was a good enough performance at the level and with clever placing he should pick up a race.

Newmill Getaway

Similarly, there will be a race in Newmill Getaway, albeit she isn’t going to become a world-beater. Good ground seems the key to her, and her consistency is one of her biggest assets, constantly running to her mark every time she steps on the track. Over the coming months, she will be of particular interest as she looks your typical summer horse. In a Class 5 contest, on good ground over three miles, you will struggle to see her out of the front three. It would be nice if her reliability is rewarded by getting her head in front, but she may be the type that once it happens, she continues to do so.