NORTHERN - Catterick 6.28 - Handicap - Class 6 - 1 mile 6 furlongs - Good to Soft - early rain and then a cloudy day.

 

There are 11 runners here and a strong favourite in Yasmin From York who won over 2 miles last time. It runs with a 5lbs penalty though and on significantly softer Going is one I'm happy to take on. Bonne Vitesse for Micky Hammond has won a couple of low grade 2 mile Hurdles and clearly is fit and in form. When with Steph Kinery though, he campaigned at around 10-11 furlongs on the Flt and I'm not sure there is much value to be had over this trip on the Flat. Notaleena will almost certainly improve for this run off a 115 day break and although Red Force One is a full stone in weight below its last win mark, no real signs yet that it's ready to win one but it is dangerously well handicapped so a significant risk.

 

Gift Of Raaj was one I looked closely at for Roger Fell as it won at this trip and at 18 furlongs last summer, it will have improved for its seasonal debut and is only a pound above its last winning mark and it would be my reserve IF either main selection was a non runner. Gold Ring was a CD winner off this mark early in the season but I feel is one that's done its winning for now.

 

At the prices I most like the chances of HELLENISTA and SOCIOLOGIST.

 

Hellenista for Tim Easterby pulled too hard over 2 miles last time but has finished racs off well at 12 furlongs last season. Its win mark is 55, it runs off 57, this intermediate trip looks ideal and I actually think they will run prominently if slightly more restrained and try to make it all. It's drawn in Stall 2, David Allen is one of those with a metronome in his head and I can't find any excuse why it wont run well.

 

Sociologist is more speculative for Scott Dixon and as a 7 year old is fully exposed. However, it had a run, has won at Thirsk and Hamilton off marks in the low 60's and shown indications that this trip is within range and after a prep on the AW looks very appealing off a mark of 57 with a good Claimer taking another 5lbs off.