A Proper Day's Racing in God's Own County
Well now, if you're looking for glitz and glamour, you won't find it at Catterick Bridge on a Wednesday afternoon in April. But by Christ, if you want to see proper racing where the form book still means something and the handicapper hasn't lost his marbles entirely, then this Yorkshire venue delivered in spades today.
Seven races on the card, ranging from the humble apprentice affair to open company, and not a dud among them. The going was riding good to good-to-firm in places – perfect conditions for the speedsters to show their wares over the minimum trip, while the longer races gave us a proper test of stamina.
What struck me most about today's Catterick Bridge racecard was the depth of quality throughout. Sure, we're not talking Group company here, but there were plenty of horses with a bit about them, and more importantly, several that looked like they're going places this season.
The Feature Race: Class 4 Sprint Sets the Standard
The 17:05 Class 4 handicap over five furlongs and change was the pick of the card on paper, and it didn't disappoint. Francisco's Piece topped the weights on a mark of 85 – a proper yardstick for this level – while the likes of Valley Ofthe Kings and Miraculous brought solid form to the table.
What caught my eye wasn't necessarily the favourite though. Secret Guest with Paul Mulrennan aboard looked like a horse with more to offer. Rated 81, he's been knocking on the door in better company than this, and dropping back to five furlongs could be the key. Mulrennan doesn't travel north for no reason, and this gelding has the profile of one that could take a step forward this season.
The bottom end of the handicap was equally intriguing. Sir Garfield on 74 has been thereabouts without winning, but Jason Hart's booking suggests connections fancy their chances. Sometimes it's the horses rated in the mid-70s that provide the best value – high enough to be competitive, low enough that the handicapper hasn't figured them out yet.
Maiden Insights and Future Stars
The 14:48 maiden stakes over seven furlongs threw up some interesting types. Red Spells Danger came into this rated 79 – a lofty mark for a horse that's never won – but there's usually a reason for that kind of rating. David Allan in the saddle is another positive; the man knows his way around this track better than most.
But it was some of the unrated runners that really pricked up my ears. Finlaggan with Daniel Tudhope is one to keep a close eye on. Any horse making their debut at this time of year with that jockey booking usually has a bit of substance about them. Tudhope doesn't waste his time on no-hopers, and the name suggests connections with a bit of class.
The fact we had Oisin Orr making the trip north for Decem Starr tells its own story too. When the big-name jockeys are prepared to travel for these midweek maidens, you know there's something brewing.
Handicap Gems and Ones to Follow
The 15:23 seven-furlong handicap was where the real nuggets were hiding. Way To Dubai on 69 looked well-treated after some decent efforts last season, while Vince Le Prince is another that's shown enough to suggest he's capable of better.
But the horse that really caught my attention was Hostility with Daniel Tudhope. Rated 67, this one has been running in stronger company and could find this grade much more to his liking. The booking of Tudhope is significant – he's not one to take on moderate handicaps unless he fancies his chances.
In the marathon contest over a mile and four furlongs, Stellarmasterpiece looked like he could be anything. The name might be a bit much, but Aiden Brookes doesn't often get these opportunities, and a horse rated 65 dropping back in class could be very interesting indeed.
The fillies' handicap to close the card had Keldeo as the one to beat on paper, but I'd be keeping a close eye on Paroda Diva. Andrew Mullen's booking caught my attention, and at 68, she could be well-handicapped if returning to form.
Looking Ahead: Where Next for These Performers?
The beauty of a card like this is that it gives you a proper line on horses for the weeks ahead. The winners today will likely pop up at similar venues – think Ripon, Thirsk, maybe even York for the better ones when the big meetings come around.
What I particularly liked was the mix of experience and potential on show. The older horses showing they've still got something left in the tank, while the younger brigade gave glimpses of what might be possible as the season unfolds.
The apprentice race that opened proceedings might have been the lowest grade on the card, but it's often these contests that throw up the surprises later in the season. Running Cool and Golden Prosperity both have the look of horses that could progress through the ranks if connections are patient.
The Verdict: Quality Midweek Action
All told, this was exactly what midweek racing should be about. Competitive fields, honest horses, and plenty of pointers for the future. The ground was perfect, the fields were well-filled, and there wasn't a non-runner crisis in sight – well, apart from Farandaway and White Umbrella, but that's racing.
If you're looking for horses to follow from today's action, I'd be keeping close tabs on Secret Guest, Hostility, and Finlaggan. All three have the profile of progressive types that could reward each-way support in the coming weeks.
And that, my friends, is what makes this game so bloody addictive. Even on a quiet Wednesday at Catterick, there are always clues to be found for those willing to look beyond the obvious. Sláinte to that!
