Catterick Serves Up a Proper Feast
Right then, what a grand afternoon we had up at Catterick Bridge on Wednesday! Seven races of honest Yorkshire fare, and I'll tell you what - there's nothing quite like this compact track for sorting the wheat from the chaff. The going was riding good to good-to-firm in places, which had the speedsters licking their lips and the stamina merchants working that bit harder.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "Tom, it's only a Wednesday card at Catterick, hardly Ascot is it?" But that's where you'd be wrong, my friend. Some of the most progressive horses you'll see all season come through these modest midweek meetings, and today's Catterick Bridge racecard was absolutely stuffed with potential stars of tomorrow.
The Feature Race: Class 4 Sprint Fireworks
The 4:25 Racing TV Profits Returned to Racing Handicap was the pick of the bunch - a Class 4 sprint over 5f 212y that had more quality than a Michelin-starred restaurant. Rosenpur topped the weights on 80, and fair play to connections for taking on this assignment. George Wood in the saddle always catches the eye - the lad's got proper hands on him.
But the one that had me reaching for the notebook was Vingegaard on 79. Ryan Sexton's booking told its own story, and this horse has been knocking on the door in better company than this. The way he's been finishing his races lately suggests the handicapper might have been a touch generous.
Aberama Gold was another to note closely. Daniel Tudhope making the trip up from down south, and this fellow knows his way around Catterick like the back of his hand. Course and distance winner too - always a telling factor at a track like this where local knowledge counts for plenty.
Ones to Follow: The Future Stars
The maiden over the extended mile and a half threw up some fascinating runners. Lord with Paul Mulrennan caught the eye immediately - any horse making their debut in a restricted maiden at this trip usually has a bit about them. The connections wouldn't be starting here if they didn't fancy their chances.
Mythical Valentine already has a rating of 77, which tells you everything about the regard he's held in. Jason Watson's a canny pilot, and I'd be very surprised if this one doesn't make his mark before the season's out.
In the fillies' novice stakes, Enduring Story looked the part on paper. James Sullivan's been riding with real confidence lately, and these restricted novice events often produce the type that go on to better things. The breeding suggests she'll appreciate every yard of the seven furlongs.
The Handicap Highlights
The 3:52 Racing TV Handicap over seven furlongs was a proper cavalry charge, and Vince Le Prince looked well-treated off 68. David Allan's booking was significant - he doesn't travel up to Catterick for the good of his health, and this horse has course and distance form that reads very well indeed.
Tattie Bogle was another that caught the attention. Jason Hart's been in flying form lately, and off a mark of 66, this one looked to have each-way claims at the very least. The form figures suggest he's due a big run.
Down at the bottom end, Asian Journey with Oisin Orr was interesting. The Irish jockey doesn't often make the trip across for these modest affairs unless there's something cooking, and off 62, this horse could easily be better than his rating suggests.
The Marathon Men
The closing handicap over a mile and five furlongs was a proper test of stamina, and Stellarmasterpiece looked the most aptly named runner on the card. Aiden Brookes in the saddle, and this horse has shown a real liking for these marathon trips.
Arctic Fox was worth a second look too. Mark Winn's been riding some nice winners lately, and off 59, this fellow looked to have solid each-way claims. Course and distance winner as well, which always counts for plenty at a track like Catterick where tactical nous can make all the difference.
Looking Ahead: Where Next?
The beauty of days like this is spotting the horses that'll be winning better races down the line. Several of today's runners look the type to follow through the summer months, particularly those making their debuts or stepping up significantly in trip.
Keep a close eye on anything from today's card that runs at York or Ripon in the coming weeks - the Yorkshire circuit has a lovely way of producing improvers, and Catterick often provides the perfect stepping stone.
All in all, a cracking day's sport that reminded us why these bread-and-butter meetings are the lifeblood of the game. Sure, it might not have the glitz and glamour of the big meetings, but for pure racing entertainment and spotting the stars of tomorrow, you can't beat an honest day at Catterick Bridge.
