CHRISTMAS COME EARLY AT CATTERICK

14:55 Catterick

The flat course here at Catterick is very unique with its sharp turns and undulations making it tough to handle for some competitors. As such finding a horse who has solid course form is a massive positive.

The current betting favourite Klopp Of The Kop has yet to race here at Catterick so there’s a mighty question mark over how well he’ll go here. Based on his powerful connections he deserves a tonne of respect but looks worth taking on.

There’s four former course victors in the lineup who all may play a part.

Bibbidibobbidiboo claimed a victory here in just one of her two career wins but without success in her last 28 runs it’s tough to think she’s going to get her head in front all of a sudden.

Aliento went close when second here two starts back but the handicapper may have their grasp on her and may find it tough off this mark.

Seven year old Mr Strutter is going through somewhat of a Renaissance with back to back victories of late. He aims to make it three on the bounce and considering he’s won with more weight on his back previously its not out of the realms of possibility. He adores Catterick and should play a major part but he’s never won three on the spin so I find myself thinking there may be one or two too good however I’d be shocked if he didn’t finish in the first three.

The fourth and final former Catterick winner is Christmas Night. The six year old course and distance winner has been poor in his last two starts but holds solid form here at this venue. A third over course and distance is by far the best run he’s produced all year and if he can build upon that effort now returning to Catterick he should be a major player. What’s interesting is Ollie Pears’ charge has form figures of 313 when racing on today’s good to firm going, tackling this course and distance. With the yard in form with a couple of recent winners I fully expect him to go well at a decent price.

CHRISTMAS NIGHT (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock

CATTERICK SELECTIONS:

13:45 - MERCURIAL (E/W)

14:20 - QUERCUS (WIN)

14:55 - CHRISTMAS NIGHT (E/W)

15:30 - THE BIG HOUSE (E/W)

16:05 - NADEIN (WIN)

16:35 - REFUGE (WIN)

17:08 - THE DANCING POET (WIN)