2:38 Catterick Tips

No comment made

Going for a Dutch. Must admit that I fancy the other one more, but this appears to be under more pressure in the market. Jonjo has his string in fine fettle, and this one has slipped to a very attractive mark. The seven-year-old shouldn't be lacking fitness on this long journey north, and the price is just too big.

Slaney Opera won a point last year and got his first win under rules when taking a maiden hunter chase at Kelso in April. He was then 3rd in the Champion Novices' Hunter Chase at Stratford in May and looks interesting here, switching to Ruth Jefferson's yard for his first handicap chase. He looks a good each-way bet with four places on offer.

Redbridge Rambler arrives in steady form and remains on a workable mark. He ran right up to his rating when 6½ lengths third in a competitive Hereford handicap chase last time. The yard is going well and he returns from a short break fresh, which tends to suit him. His overall strike rate isn't strong, but he's consistent at this level and sits on his last winning mark, giving him a fair platform to get involved if the race sets up for stamina and rhythm.

Was staying on nicely at Uttoxeter over an inadequate trip. Back over 3 miles last time but fell early. 3 miles again today and should be in the mix.

Halfway House Lad offers a good each-way option for me in this chase if he can recapture his two wins earlier in 2025 at Newcastle and Hexham over 3m on similar ground here. He is a proven stayer who is effective at 3m, with the tongue strap back on, he has a solid record and a good chance in this Class 5 company. Chapman stays on board, and in the recent Musselburgh he had every chance before fading late, so dropping in mark today to 78 is workable.

Went close three runs back from a mark of 92 and is just a pound higher here. Disappointed the last twice, but worth an each-way bet at the prices.

Two wins and a second in the last six. Positive booking of Hughes in the saddle and I am struggling to see why this is priced. Expect a good run.

Not many horses in this managed a decent run last time out, and the same can be said of Similar Story. However, his latest start followed 19 days after slipping up and unseating the rider and may have needed to restore confidence. His final start last season over 3m at good Newcastle (he also acts on soft) showed more of what he is capable of. The first and second that day went in next time out. Down in class today and 6 lb lower than the Newcastle run when the rider's claim is taken into account, he looks to have a much better chance than long 28/1 odds suggest.

Finished a two-length second over CD last month to one of the principals for this (I See The Sea, currently 3/1). That horse also had the benefit of a run. The race was run on forecast good ground. Not good over hurdles next time out, but can give a much better account over fences off the same mark.

Interesting that best effort in 5 runs since joining this yard was when just getting touched off in a class 4 over today's C/D. Is 2lb lower in this class 5, good conditional retains ride taking off 3lb and shrewd trainer is best here with her chasers last 5 seasons @ 50 percent, making current 40/1 worth Ew consideration in the race.