4.30pm Catterick Tips & Betting Preview 12/07/2017

A field of seven go to post for this marathon handicap at Catterick on Wednesday afternoon, see our betting tips and full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: After winning a Grade 2 on his latest start over hurdles, PROJECT BLUEBOOK returns to the flat off a lenient mark and is set to exploit it for a third flat victory. He is only five pounds higher than when winning here in August and he’s clearly a better horse now, so he should take all the beating with conditions to suit. His main dangers are both Addicted To You and Tenzing Norgay, who have sound form claims.

1 HIGHLAND CASTLE – Nine year old who is useful on his day for Lucinda Egerton, but needs to prove he retains his ability after three poor runs this season for Lucinda Egerton. He is currently two pounds above his last winning mark, showing very little on his latest flat start at Newcastle in February, finishing a well beaten last. This isn’t much easier and despite conditions being fine and his stamina assured, others make far more appeal.

2 TENZING NORGAY – Headgear worked wonders last season for Sir Mark Prescott’s four year old, winning three times in a productive campaign. He was last seen at Chelmsford in September, finishing a good third in a tough looking handicap and he’s only three pounds higher for his seasonal debut. He looks the type to kick on for his four year old season and he remains with potential upped to this distance. Luke Morris takes the ride and he is set for a big run.

3 PROJECT BLUEBOOK – Last seen in April over hurdles where he was a game winner of a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse and he returns to the flat off a handy mark. He is only five pounds higher than when winning at this course over the 1m 5f distance in August and he’s clearly a much better horse now for John Quinn. Jason Hart takes the ride and he should take all the beating off a potentially very lenient mark.

4 HURRICANE HOLLOW – Useful hurdler who found his feet on the flat on his latest start at Ripon, finishing a clear second in a 1m 4f handicap. He is four pounds higher here but judging by his hurdling, he should appreciate this step up in trip and improve for it under Ben Curtis. Likely contender with conditions to suit and he’s another to consider in a very competitive handicap contest.

5 ALMOST GEMINI – Eight year old who hasn’t necessarily been disgraced over hurdles the last twice, though he was well beaten at Carlisle when last seen. He returns to the flat for the first time in 396 days, last seen at Musselburgh when sixth in a competitive affair. He returns on the same mark but it’s hard to know how good he’ll be back in this discipline, so it will pay to air on the side of caution. Others make more appeal on this occasion.

6 ADDICTED TO YOU – Produced a career best on his latest start when going well clear with the winner at Hamilton on his latest start and he has a big chance off the same mark. This step up in trip should suit and he looks a strong contender as he’s still lightly raced, though a return to better ground isn’t sure to suit. Each way claims if in the same form again but he should find at least one too good after such a small lay off.

7 GENERAL ALLENBY – Very modest maiden for Henry Tett who is well out of the weights for this contest, rated 42lbs lower than the top rated Highland Castle. Impossible to make a case for him and he’s readily dismissed.