3:00 Catterick Tips

Lightly raced 6yo, finishing in the first three in 8 of 10 hurdle races. Not beaten far in two of his three runs before Christmas and comes here fresh after a two-month break. Still on a decent mark, and I like the fact that his only previous run on heavy ground resulted in a win this time last year.

No comment made

3 times a winner from 3 attempts here and won over further here last time out. He is also a course and distance winner so the drop in trip should not inconvenience.

If you look at this horse's 2nd on soft ground and some other pieces of form on good to soft, you could definitely make a case for him off this mark. There is also the strong suspicion that this longer trip will suit, and potentially the even softer ground could too. The case is a strong one even before we factor in that the horse has had a wind op since his last run, and he could also have improved from that.

Gardener has had some acupuncture treatment since joining this yard and, after 265 days off, has had three runs for them. His latest, 19 days ago, was his best effort over the course when 6.5 lengths behind Bathgate, and it appeared as if there was more to offer. He is 6 lb better off with that rival today, and the 10-year-old has slipped to a workable mark. He has won on heavy ground before, and reversing the form with Bathgate in this could prove enough.

This one has been running well since winning twice and being second three times since coming across from France. He is very consistent and we should see another sound race. He has been rising in the weights, so it remains to be seen how far he can go. Each way chances

Ridden by the owner and ran well for most of the race last time out before a bad mistake 3 from home. 3 lbs lower and Gavin Sheehan takes over, who rode the horse when a close 2nd off 1 lb higher the last time he ran in a Class 4. Shouldn't be far away.

Small each-way tip. This horse will be needing some improvement but that is possible, this horse should have more to offer for this trainer over hurdles. Does have some good hurdles form in the book when he was trained in Ireland.