Hot To Trot: Get the message with Voicemail

Roger Varian

The fine form of the Roger Varian string was highlighted in this feature just four weeks ago and not much has changed in the intervening period, with the trainer's runners continuing to acquit themselves with great credit. Victory Angel at Yarmouth and Shenanigans at Goodwood were among his winners in the last seven days, and Varian will be hoping to add to his tally on Wednesday's evening card at Kempton. Screaming Gemini and Tobrave both hold entries in the 7f handicap and the former will be of particular interest from the same mark as when second on his handicap debut at Leicester in June. He always faced an uphill task after a slow start there, but that still represented the best effort of his career to date, and he should be suited by the step back up in distance. Ashwass and Rasima, who is out of a sister to the smart Chinese White, could make their respective debuts on the same card and will be of definite interest if the market speaks in their favour, while an honourable mention is also given to Dubawi Prince, who is clearly held in high regard by connections (holds an entry in the St Leger), and could attempt to resume winning ways at Sandown on Thursday.

James Bethell

James Bethell also has his team in great nick at present and few victories this year are likely to have given him as much satisfaction as that of Truth Or Dare at Goodwood on Wednesday. The six-year-old was on a losing run dating back to August 2013, but had shaped well on occasions since joining Bethell at the start of the season, and ran as well as he ever has to regain the winning thread at the Sussex track. He won so easily that a significant rise in the weights is inevitable, but will remain potentially well treated judged on his previous exploits. New Society will also be winning again before long if his latest second at Pontefract is anything to go by. He travelled better than most before keeping on well to be beaten just two and a half lengths that day and should again be thereabouts if attempting to go one better at Newcastle on Thursday. Meanwhile, Haworth was not seen to best effect when fifth on his most recent outing at Redcar, enduring a troubled passage as the field entered the final furlong and not knocked about thereafter. He deserves another chance to confirm earlier promise if lining up at Haydock or Newcastle (both on Thursday).

James Tate 

James Tate may still be seeking a first victory in group company, but it would be no surprise were Invincible Army to put that right before the year is out. Indeed, the two-year-old did extremely well under the circumstances when second in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday, facing a difficult draw as it worked out and paying the price for a big move into contention at halfway. He remains capable of better than the bare form he has achieved so far and will be of interest if lining up in a similar event next time. Voicemail, also owned by Saeed Manana, looks another promising juvenile for the yard after a good third on debut at Thirsk recently. She had a hard race when chasing home a pair of more experienced rivals that day, but looks well up to winning a similar event and should prove tough to beat if making the expected progress at Brighton on Thursday. Collateral, on the other hand, was most disappointing when well beaten at Musselburgh last time. However, the form of his earlier second at Haydock is working out well - the winner finished third in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood - and he sets the standard if bouncing back at Catterick on Tuesday.