The Notebook - 4th 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...

UNDERCOVER AFFAIR

There is a fair level of ability in Undercover Affair, despite clearly showing in-experience when finishing third at Nottingham last time out. From a wide draw he was unable to get cover, over-racing and expended unnecessary energy. When he hit the front, he hung left and as such ruined all chance of him winning the race. It was a performance where I said to myself ‘you through that away.’ This babyish nature is surprising when you consider it was his 8th start and he won a good pot at Goodwood in June. He hasn’t gone on from that, but has gone off favourite in four of his 8 starts, showing a level of expectation when he runs. He is talented but it would take a leap of faith to back him at short odds next time.

VALSHARAH

Having been 0-25 going into Tuesday’s class 6 contest at Brighton, I was keen to take on Valsharah who was the 15/8 favourite. It worked, he finished second, but it was a race where he was clearly the best horse in the race and I felt like I got away with it. He sacrificed a few lengths as the stalls opened and was very keen throughout the opening half of the race. Both factors led me to believe he would just fall out the back of the TV, so I was alarmed seeing him make up ground quickly in the closing stages. He ran on to finish a length second, but he really should have won. He will be a bet next time in a classified contest.

HAVANA MOJITO

Having backed and tipped up Havana Mojito in a class 6 later in that Brighton card, I felt slightly hard done by that we bumped into a 70 rated horse masquerading off a mark of 53. It was also no surprise to see her entered in three separate races in the coming days, before she no doubt gets a massive hike in the weights. Prefer The Sister is the name for those interested. Anyway, whilst it goes down as a loser on my profit and loss spreadsheet, Havana Mojito ran well, fairing best of those who were up with the strong pace. All of his wins have come at Brighton, with 7 furlongs being his optimum trip and rattling fast ground being preferred. With those conditions, he could be dangerous next time out.

ZIGHY

The drop back from six furlongs to five was probably against Zighy, who couldn’t live with the speed of a horse that loves the minimum trip. On paper, it was a tactic that looked like it could suit, but it is a different ballgame trying to show a turn of foot against a horse that has won four times over five furlongs. If he raced over this trip again, I wouldn’t touch him, but if he went back up he would be of interest. He’s won twice from nine starts, placing a further six times and normally running to a mark in the low 80s. Both victories came on the all-weather, so maybe wait till he returns there.