Racing Report Card: A horse on the up for Roger Varian, a horse for your tracker at Southwell and the ride of the day from Stevie Donohoe

THE racing was fully granulated on Monday as all three afternoon meetings came on the sand.

We’ve picked out some moments you may have missed on a busy afternoon of racing.

A horse on the up

Roger Varian has made an astounding start to the season and he looks to have another smart one on his hands in BOWERMAN (11-8f).

Carrying the silks of former Leger winner Kingston Hill, he might well just have some of his ability as he cruised away from his rivals off a mark of 94.

Listed company at least surely calls for this improving five-year-old, who is certainly starting to make up for lost time.

One for your tracker

Take note of Iain Jardine’s ALEXANDER JAMES (3.10, Southwell), who stormed to victory on his debut by a very impressive 13 lengths.

Unconsidered in the market at 33-1, he proved his hefty price all wrong with a commanding success, seeing off the experienced Chance with the minimum of fuss.

It may have been a weak Southwell novice, but this one certainly has an engine.

Ride of the day

This won’t be one that screams out at you, but Stevie Donohoe was at his peerless best aboard handicap debutant GOLD ARCH (3.00, Wolves).

Taking the race by the scruff of the neck, he kicked as they rounded the final bend and he and his mount pulled out enough to see off their rivals.

It was a decisive move and one that reaped the rewards for the consistently underrated Donohoe.