PADDOCKS PATENT (WEDNESDAY)

15:00 Nottingham This looks like a good maiden and one to watch for possible useful newcomers to take into next season as a three year. That could come in the shape of newcomer Stradivarius for John Gosden. The trainer has a 20% strike rate with debutants at this venue. He was an expensive yearling and is related to some useful types, including Rembrandt Van Rijn. He’s a son of Sea The Stars and if showing promise and ability he could take up his engagement in the Racing Post Trophy for which he has an entry. He is definitely on to take notice of. Contrapposto is the one that catches this eye on the back of his finishing effort at York on the last day. He rattled home late on coming from the rear to take second and his owner was very happy with the result. The way he shaped suggested he’d be suited by the extra furlong he tackles he plus it’s not a surprise to see the Convivial York form starting to add it – that could be franked even more by the winner Rivet at the weekend who runs in the Dewhurst. I’m struggling to weigh up Hydroxide. He was ahead of Contrapposto at Newmarket in July and the fourth from that race runs in a later nursery after a comfortable recent win. However Hugo Palmer’s inmate has found it difficult to get his head in front. He looked the most likely at Doncaster but somehow got headed and then he was beaten by a good front running ride 15-days ago. The tongue-tie goes on for the first time, which suggests there could be a slight issue but considering his run of seconds he might be one to take on at a short price. Contrapposto (WIN) 16:30 Nottingham A competitive 16-runner Handicap over ten furlongs for the second pick and it looks a race to get your teeth into. Handicap debutant Burguillos doesn’t look too badly treated off a mark of 82. He stayed on strongly to win at Salisbury 26-days ago to show that this trip is one he relishes after runs over inadequate trips in maidens, which could suggest he is an Autumn project for Alan King and is potentially a November Handicap horse. With more to offer he is on the shortlist. Toulson had consistent form in maidens and nearly won on debut for Eve Johnson Houghton – who is having one of her better seasons. He was given a mark of 76 for his handicap debut at Sandown where he looked to love every yard and managed to crack Bedrock late on to win. The handicapper has only put him up 2lb for that win, which is generous because he looked to win with a bit up his sleeve. In this big field he could get a race ran to suit and he is definitely worth having on side from his lenient mark. Martyn Meade is a trainer who takes time with his horses and brings them on gradually, so De Veer Cliffs enters the equation. She won his maiden over course and distance plus seems versatile on any type of ground. Given the booking of Jamie Spencer she is likely to be ridden with restraint for a late run. One to mention at a big price is Esteaming for David Barron. The trainer is going through a quiet spell but this six year old only reappeared 18-days ago. He finished down the field at Ayr and has been dropped slightly by the handicapper. This is his first time in a Class 4 race since his last win back in 2014, which also came from off this mark. He likes deep ground, which he seems to be getting. He was third in last season’s November Handicap, so that looks to be the plan for him once more.  Toulson (E/W) 19:50 Kempton This Conditions Stakes over six furlongs has the market revolving around Roger Varian’s Taneen. This son of Speightstown is one of two three year olds in the race.  He’s the main attraction in the market being lightly raced from a trainer in-form. He was very impressive when winning at Leicester two starts ago and for that win got duly clobbered by the handicapper. He ran well at Newmarket last time where the second has since won a Listed race. This looks an easier race to the one he won and contested last time therefore it is easy to see why many are drawn to his claims. The pace angle in this race is with Chookie Royale, who has gone off the boil of late since winning here January. Keith Dalgleish has given him a break to freshen him up and if getting an uncontested lead he could be hard to pass. Phillip Makin will have work to do to get him into the lead from stall eight. A chance is being taken on the second three year old in the race Dhahmaan. This son of Kodiac showed useful form as a juvenile, including winning the Listed Doncaster Stakes. This campaign he is yet to get his head in front but has been in races of a better class than this. Marco Botti has put the cheekpieces on for the first time and if they have the desired effect then Harry Bentley could guide him back to winning ways. He has previous won at Chelmsford, so should be able to take to the polytrack here. Dhahmaan (E/W)