Racing is getting better in the north, and the handicaps are looking trickier a puzzle to solve, which on the one hand makes things more difficult, yet on the other, makes the prize that much richer, and the picking of a winner, that much more rewarding.
Racing Wednesday comes from Catterick, with the ground likely to be on the damp side, meaning to be extra thorough when strumming through the form book. Horses that have shown the ability to handle conditions, not to mention the actual course, have a big plus.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP runs in the maiden seller in the first, where David Evans won last year, and looks to have strong credentials to carry on the winning tradition for the trainer. Much improved when second last time out at Warwick, which is the strongest piece of form in a race lacking depth, and he sets the standard.
A stable that have started the season off in terrific form is the Michael Dods northern based unit, that have been firing on all cylinders already, especially in middle distance handicaps. He has a well bred son of Exceed and Excel in the shape of TIME TO EXCEL, who wasn’t knocked about in three maidens last year at Haydock, Thirsk and Redcar; He has been gelded over the winter, and stepped up in trip and off a mark of 52, and he looks very well in.
DEEP APPLAUSE could be worth taking a chance on for the same connections, in the 4.15, a handicap over a mile and a half. The Royal Applause gelding steps up in trip, looking to find further improvement after reappearance two weeks ago. Going through his form as a three year old, his best form has come on soft ground, and on bare form figures, may be a big price.
CONE DONKEY runs for Brian Smart and Tom Eaves and debuts in handicap company after three runs in maiden company, two seconds at Wolverhampton in November and Catterick three weeks ago. He lost by the margins of a head and a neck, and the last run was particularly impressive, and it looked a good field. A mark of 64, he should run well, being fresh and race fit, and doesn’t have a lot to beat.
REGAIL ACCLAIM looked a nice sort when running towards the back end of last season, putting three lacklustre maiden runs aside in something of an Easterby special, finishing first and second in two handicap runs, both on soft ground. The main rival looks to be Rosies Lady, fresh from a run last month, finishing second, but the form of the stable would be something of a worry.
2.05 Catterick – Shop Til You Drop
3.10 Catterick – Time to Excel
4.15 Catterick – Deep Applause
4.45 Catterick – Cone Donkey (Nap)
5.15 Catterick – Regal Acclaim (Nb)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
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