2:40 Catterick Tips

In the finest Tim Easterby tradition, Vince Le Prince has drifted down the ratings to a point where he must have a great chance of winning. He acts on soft ground and goes as well here as anywhere else. After running quite well in the mid part of the year, his form appeared to dip. However, he has shown a little more zest in his last two races, leading me to hope he can win this race.

A David & Nicola Barron trained 6-year-old who has had 27 races all on the flat, winning 5 times and has finished in the frame 5 times. He won 2 races on the trot in October, both in class 6 handicap over 7f, winning at Musselburgh by 5 1/2 lengths on soft going and winning at Ayr under today's jockey by 4 lengths on heavy going. He finished 4th of 10 runners last time out here at Catterick in a class 4 handicap over 7f on good going under today's jockey when beaten by the favorite by 3 1/2 lengths. He is in a class 5 handicap over 7f on soft going and has William Pyle in the saddle claiming 3 lbs. He is racing in a grade lower than last time out and back on soft ground. Has a good chance in this race today.

This one has won over this course and distance as they are dropping it down in grade and adding the first-time visor with a 5 lbs claiming jockey booking/change. A good value each-way bet for the 4 places available.

Almost 12 months since the last of his 5 victories, but was a runner-up over this course and distance at the beginning of this month before going down narrowly over 6 furlongs at Newcastle. Disappointed at Redcar last time but capable of bouncing back.

Though Desert Dream has not shown any sort of form this season, he could still go well here today at Catterick, a course he has run well at before.

Inns Of Court gelding who is a twice winner on soft ground. He has finished runner-up in one of his last four starts, and yet the handicapper relents and drops him 3lb today. He has a good draw in stall 11, and running 8lb lower than his previous winning mark, he could well go close today.

Plenty of different ages and abilities on show in this race. Whilst Vince Le Prince has everything going for him today, he is a bit short at 9/4. Lima Sierra is only a three-year-old and did not seem to be at her best at Ayr last time. She has won twice at this track and has an overall progressive profile, suggesting she is up to this small step up into class 5, where all bar two are rated less than 70.

Didn’t seem to like the surface when well beaten over a mile on the Newcastle Tapeta last time out. Third of ten, beaten by 2.5 lengths off a 3-pound higher mark over this trip at Musselburgh in the race subsequent to that. This drop back to 7 furlongs will suit.

Some dreadful stuff today and I'm way off it! I've been leaving out some I fancy and they win? Obee Jo is this morning's 'why shouldn't I have a nibble' horse. CD winner, good draw/weight. Go on then, one more plunge.