4:30 Catterick Tips

Haarar has won 8 of his 37 starts, with 5 of those coming in 15 starts over hurdles. He has won his last two starts, winning at Haydock in December and again at Carlisle last week off a 6 lb higher mark. He won easily there by 6 lengths, and having won this race last year, a 7 lb penalty might not be enough to stop a follow-up.

Three Dons is a 7-year-old gelding trained by flat trainer Tony Carroll and is ridden by Craig Nichol. He makes his handicap debut off an opening 112, having only posted RPRs of 102??'103 in two opening salvos when finishing 2nd and 3rd in two maiden/novice hurdles over 15.5f at Leicester. The handicapper is taking no chances, but probably with good reason, as Three Dons is a multiple winner on the flat. He has two wins to his name on heavy ground and also brings some course form to the table, winning at Catterick. He's posted a career-high RPR of 84 on the flat, and Three Dons could potentially be capable of a mark of 124+ particularly with today's conditions being absolutely ideal.

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She completed a double at Kelso in October/November. Although disappointing in her two starts since, those came over further distances. She returns to 2m for the first time since that Kelso win. She is 8 lb higher than that, but she can cope with these conditions, having won on heavy ground in France.

Blue Bear goes well on a sharp, undulating track, having recorded a chasing-best performance at Sedgefield. His best hurdling effort came at the sharp Kelso track. Blue Bear is out of the handicap, but Oscar Palmer, whose latest ride was a winner, takes over in the saddle. His allowance means that Blue Bear will carry 9-9 today. Best on a soft surface, the horse can go well at big odds if fit after his long absence.