Catterick - February 24th

Going – Good

The races were re-timed following an accident in the first race involving Jacqueline Coward. She was knocked unconscious and needed to be airlifted to hospital. Latest word was that, although still a bit woozy, that she was on the mend.

A couple of chases on the card.

3.10 (off 3.40) 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

Plenty of pace setters in here and they set off hell for leather.

EBORARRY sets the pace when he can but had to follow the brisk lick set by Falcon’s Tribute. It may well have suited Eborarry, as his rivals dropped away over the last three and he kept on well to win. He’s not a prolific winner and needs a race run to suit, but places quite often and is at least some sort of measure at this level. I consider him for ‘shape of race purposes’ but oppose for betting purposes.
WHATCANYASAY progressed to hold every chance three out but was held in the latter stages. He’s running consistently right now, and it might be worth bearing in mind that he is a four time winner at Sedgefield.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY has dropped a bit now it has dawned on the handicapper that he’s not as good as some of his placed novice form. He kept on at the end and might be interesting upped in trip now that he seems to have found his level.
MAJORCA possibly needed the run after a break, running on from two out without threatening the leaders. His current mark would seem about right and he looks ‘win in his turn’ material.
MISS PROSS threatened to get involved three out then faded. She is 9lbs higher than her winning mark over fences, and not yet getting much relief.
SUPER BABY was below the level of his recent form and was reported as having lost a shoe. His stable is going well and it might be possible to forgive him this effort.
STORMY BEECH raced prominently but faded from four out. He is capable of winning at this level, but one thing you can guarantee is that you don’t know what you are going to get. At best he needs to dictate the race.
ROYAL GLEN was always in the rear. Might be worth a try around Carlisle as his best recent form has been at the track.
I’M YOUR MAN had a good spell in the late summer and autumn when there was less competition, but isn’t producing too much in these events at the moment.
STAGECOACH AMBER is unpredictable, if able on his day, but had an excuse here since he was another to lose a shoe during the race.
FALCON’S TRIBUTE went very fast in the lead to three out and then weakened rapidly to last place. His best placings have been on good to firm ground.
BESTOFTHEBROWNIES never showed an interest.

4.10 (off 4.30) 3m 1½f Beginners’ Chase

CHIEF DAN GEORGE has been brought along steadily by his trainer, and came clear of a moderate field here. It would seem he is nowhere near his hurdles form over fences and his current mark of 131 would make it tough moving to handicaps.
GREAT APPROACH ran near to his form in second place, but it’s frustrating that he manages to avoid being involved close home.
PASS THE CLASS made mistakes here, but ran a decent race to place. He will presumably revert to handicaps, and is favoured by fast ground.
ESME RIDES A GAINE led to four out then dropped away. This was better than previous efforts under rules, and does at least promise a little for low class handicaps.
ANGLICISME has won a couple of selling hurdles recently, but a race like this seems a different matter. There is no immediate promise of a chasing win and a current chase rating of 112 looks harsh.
TREEHOUSE has looked slow since moving up from pointing.
MASTER BUILDER was perhaps feeling the pinch when coming down at the fourteenth.
OH PICKLES couldn’t keep up and pulled up.
TULLY HILL has proved inordinately slow since moving from Ireland. Connections would appear to wasting their time racing him.