The Notebook - 9th 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...

Touquet

There was a lot to like from Touquet, who finished second in a Class 4 contest at Chepstow last week. He went off a few strides too quickly, and once the field closed in, he had every right to down tools and blame his early excursions. However, he battled gamely and may have come back at the leader if he jumped the last two fences with more fluency. Nevertheless, it was a big performance in defeat. Due to the free-going racing style, it is hard to gauge his ability. He is rated 108, after winning two races over winter for Nick Gifford after moving from Paul Nicholls. If he learned to race with more efficiency, you could certainly see a world where he finds a stone of improvement.

Serious Challenge

Connections of Serious Challenge can feel unlucky that he hasn’t won either the Morebattle Hurdle or the Sussex Champion Hurdle after two fantastic efforts in defeat. He finished runner-up on the penultimate occasion and third this time at Plumpton, making up a significant amount of ground from the rear. He does seem best when ridden with restraint, as he clearly enjoys passing horses, but it does mean occasionally he can be left with too much to do. He won a nice pot at Haydock in December, and he does shape as though he could be slightly better than his mark of 137. He ran to a very strong level on the flat for previous trainer Jim Bolger, so his campaign could continue in the coming months.

Beau Quali

There should be a decent prize in Beau Quali, who finished second in a Class 4 Handicap Hurdle on his third start for Christian Williams. He has his quirks, but he is talented, and it is remarkable to think he’s only won once from 15 starts, which was a match when with former trainer Dan Skelton. There are scatterings of good form on his CV, notably a five-and-a-half-length defeat to Hamlet’s Night and runner-up efforts behind Vol Royale and Bear Market. If he could add consistency to his profile, which he looks like he is doing for the Williams’ yard, then he could pick up a nice race along the way, likely at a big price too.

Bunker Bay

Finally, the way Bunker Bay jumps, it would be no surprise to see him over a fence in the near future. He is a very scopey individual, who jumped big and was somewhat slow in the air, which probably cost him the win last week at Market Rasen. Despite not winning for Micky Hammond, he is building himself a portfolio of decent placed efforts and is indicating his time could be near. If he gets his head in front, it will only be at a moderate level, but he is capable and may pick up a victory this summer.