The Notebook - 05.03.2026

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...

Blow Your Wad

Despite the ground being described as Good to Soft at Newbury, it was tacky and sticky, so there can be optimism that any horses who finished strongly would get further in time. This is the case with Blow Your Wad, who finished like a train in the Greatwood Gold Cup, narrowly denied by the Skeltons' Heltenham. The runner-up seems to have found his best form since joining Gary and Josh Moore’s from Tom Lacey and has some quite stylish form on his CV, notably winning the Grade 2 Pendil Novices’ Chase. He is currently 25/1 for the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, so it will be interesting to see if connections roll the dice.

Melon

A final flight error all but confirmed Melon for second place in a Class 3 Handicap Hurdle, when in truth, he probably wouldn’t have caught the impressive winner, Rubber Ball, regardless. He travelled into the race nicely and would probably have been better suited to softer ground rather than the sticky surface he encountered Saturday. It is still very early days for this five-year-old, who holds good juvenile form on his record and has also held his own in competitive handicaps at Sandown and Cheltenham. He might be one to keep on side for next season.

Prince Zaltar

A more vigorous ride may have yielded further success for Prince Zaltar, who recorded a fast-finishing second at Ludlow on Thursday (26th Feb). He had dropped to an attractive mark of 117 and bounced back from a rare disappointing performance at Warwick on his penultimate start. Rather annoyingly, the handicapper has raised him 3 lbs for this latest effort, but there should still be plenty of scope in his mark to win races. A strongly run three miles should suit, and on a stiffer track, he may be able to get his head in front.

Little Pi

It would be no surprise to see Little Pi drop back in trip after appearing stretched by 2m5f in a Class 5 contest. He travelled really nicely, looking the winner for most of the concluding stages, before seemingly emptying quickly over the final two hurdles. He is currently rated 91 and has never won off this mark, but I thought he shaped quite a bit better than that when winning on his penultimate start at Huntingdon. It helps that he had a very good jockey on board in Toby McCain-Mitchell, who is incredible value for his 5lb claim. Little Pi should remain competitive at a moderate level and will be of big interest next time when he is back down in trip.