'He is open to plenty of improvement' - our experts with their horses to follow

Marcus Buckland and Richard Young pick out four horses who caught their eye last week. Members can view the race replays and add these horses to their Racing Post Tracker.

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Zim Baby
Second, Hamilton, Monday

There was much to like about Zim Baby's effort when second at the Scottish track last week.

Mick Appleby's filly faced plenty of pressure for the early lead yet only just failed to hold on, getting reeled in by the progressive winner Mina Velour.

Zim Baby rarely runs a bad race and the handicapper has a good idea of what she's about nowadays, but even so it will be surprising should she not win a similar race before the conclusion of the turf season. [Marcus Buckland]

Members can watch the replay here

Ice Lord
Third, Salisbury, Thursday

It's been a long time between drinks for Ice Lord, but he is handicapped accordingly and looks one to keep onside in the coming weeks on the evidence of this never-nearer third.

In a race the first two dominated from an early stage, Chris Wall's eight-year-old made stealthy progress from off the pace to be beaten just two lengths, a performance easily the best the grey has managed since his seasonal reappearance.

Last successful off 92 at Doncaster in late October 2018, he's slipped to 80 and looks sure to be a big factor in soft-ground handicaps for the remainder of the campaign. [Marcus Buckland]

Members can watch the replay here

Oscar Clouds
Third, Kelso, Sunday

Oscar Clouds caught the eye when making up a fair amount of ground in the last quarter-mile to finish third behind Franks Fancy in this novice hurdle.

That represented a career-best effort under his inexperienced 10lb conditional rider and this unexposed five-year-old, who is in very good hands with Keith Dalgleish, is one to take into handicap company.

Keith Dalgleish: has a smart prospect on his handsCredit: Grossick Racing (racingpost.com/photos)

Given he's a close relative of Grand National winner Many Clouds, the step up to three miles looks sure to be in his favour, and he can make his mark in the north in the coming months. [Richard Young]

Members can watch the replay here

Bolshoi Ballet
Third, Newmarket, Saturday

Aidan O'Brien had a hugely disappointing weekend due to circumstances beyond his control, but he must have been encouraged by the debut performance of Bolshoi Ballet.

This brother to smart stayer Southern France showed his inexperience, but also plenty of ability when a staying-on third to Godolphin's potentially smart Mystical Dawn over a mile on soft ground.

The step up to middle distances and beyond will suit next year, but before then he is open to plenty of improvement on his next run and is capable of winning in similar company in 2020 when the emphasis is on stamina. [Richard Young]

Members can watch the replay here

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