3.50pm Catterick Tips & Betting Preview 19/07/2017

A field of eight go to post for the fourth race of the day at Catterick on Wednesday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: The rise in class the last twice clearly didn’t help ZANETTO who bombed out at both Doncaster and Thirsk, but back into Class 4 company he should take all the beating off only three pounds higher than his latest win which came in this grade in April. He won that day by a length despite having to sit and suffer waiting for a gap, so this mark of 86 should be one he can easily overcome for a fifth career victory. The dangers are headed by Scofflaw, who was only beaten a head on his latest start and should have more to offer in time.

1 ZANETTO – Made it count when dropping into Class 4 company at Thirsk three starts ago, quickening well to lead inside the final furlong and he was slapped with a six pound rise as a consequence. Raised back in grade, he has bombed out the last twice, finishing last at both Doncaster and Thirsk. He now drops back into Class 4 company and this mark shouldn’t be beyond him if back to his best, so looks set to make it another win in this Class for john Quinn, whose yard is in fine form.

2 STRAIGHTOTHEPOINT – Consistent sort for Bryan Smart who has been holding his form well, with the handicapper giving him a chance to return to winning ways. He was dropped two pounds for his latest start at Beverley where he was a close third and this step up in trip should suit him. He’s down a further pound in the handicap which means he is only two pounds above his last winning mark and he’s placed off much higher. He looks set to go close once again under Connor Beasley and has to be respected.

3 SCOFFLAW –  Posted a far and away career best on his latest start when second at Haydock earlier this month, only beaten a head after coming home strongly and he’s up four pounds as a result. If turning up in the same vein of form again he’d have to be considered a big danger under Paul Hanagan, with conditions to suit. He still remains lightly raced with only ten runs so there is likely more to come, so he’s one to consider.

4 PEA SHOOTER – Ran some good races in the summer of 2016 including a win at Wetherby but he ended that campaign on a sour note and none of his runs this season have been good enough to win a race of this nature. He’s now two pounds below his last winning mark, but his fourth at Ripon on his latest start wasn’t inspiring in a race weaker than this. He looks vulnerable again for Brian Ellison and it will pay to look elsewhere.

5 MESHARDAL – Completed the hat-trick when winning a big field handicap at York in June and he’s matched that form this last twice with two good fourths at both Newmarket and Haydock. He remains on the same mark as his latest run where he was around two lengths behind Scofflaw, but he meets that rival on much better terms and a turnaround would be of little surprise. Jack Garitty takes the ride and he’s to consider for the placings.

6 LOVE OASIS – Inconsistent sort who has won twice this year for Mark Johnston, posting a career best on her latest start at Chester to finish a neck second. She is up another pound in the handicap but if she turns up in the same form again she’d have to be considered a big player under PJ McDonald for a yard in brilliant form. Conditions will suit and she’s another solid each way contender.

7 SOCIALITES RED – Won twice in May for Scott Dixon but she’s been a mixed bag in three runs since, last seen at Nottingham where she was only seventh despite being well backed. She is down one pound in the handicap as s result, but she’s still five pounds above her last winning mark and looks potentially vulnerable against some in form horses who look well treated at present. Others have more pressing claims on this occasion.

8 ROBBEN RAINBOW – Lightly raced three year old for David Barron who has shown nothing on his two runs this season to suggest he’s going to be winning anytime soon. He was last seen at Beverley when a tailed off tenth, always behind and never in a threatening position. Others make far more appeal and he’s dismissed with confidence on this occasion.