6.30pm Catterick Tips & Betting Preview 18/08/2017

A field of six two-year-olds go to post for the third race of the evening at Catterick on Friday. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Winner of his last two starts, DEMONS ROCK has burst into life and he was impressive from the front on his latest start at Chester. He kicked away with two furlongs to go and just kept going further and further ahead, eased down towards the line. He has a six pound penalty here, of which Paddy Pilley negates the majority, but he should be far too progressive for this field. Tom Dascome still has string in great form and he’s the one to beat ahead of Central City who is now aimed at a lower level.

1 DEMONS ROCK – Things have really come together for this Tom Dascombe inmate who has won his last runs, making all in very good style at Chester earlier this month, eased down. He has very strong claims under a six pound penalty as he’s clearly progressive. This is a small field that he can dominate from the front under Paddy Pilley, who negates most of the penalty. It’s hard to look past him and he should be all the rage here.

2 CENTRAL CITY – Five race maiden for Hugo Palmer who hasn’t kicked on from a very good third in the Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester in May. He made his handicap debut at Goodwood in a competitive Nursery and he’ll find this far less competitive now that he drops down two classes. He’s also down two pounds in the handicap which will be helpful and, with connections in great form, he should go close.

3 QUAYSIDE – Son of Harbour Watch who could only manage sixth on nursery debut at Glorious Goodwood, weakening tamely under pressure. The handicapper has given him a chance of three pounds lower and this is certainly an easier race. However, others look far more interesting and he looks set for a supporting role on this occasion under Tony Hamilton who’s riding well at present.

4 SUPER MAJOR – Made his final novice run his best when second at Thirsk in July, gaining him an initial mark of 74 on nursery debut. That mark is probably fair on what he’s shown already, but more is needed against some promising types and you’d struggle to get excited by his chances. Cut in the ground is an unknown and, despite having capable claimer Callum Rodriguez taking off five pounds, others are readily preferred.

5 SEEN THE LYTE – Has raced over the five furlong trip on all seven of her winless runs, but her latest running on effort at Musselburgh suggests that she is well worth her chance at this distance. A mark of 68 into this class does demand further progress, but she is obviously unexposed at this distance and may still do better yet for the in form John Quinn yard. She’s one to consider, with Jason Hart also riding at the top of his game.

6 SORORITY – Has gone close on her last two starts for Mark Johnston, last seen at Musselburgh where she was headed in the final strides in very unlucky fashion. She is up a pound as a result and back down a furlong in distance which should be fine, although her previous runs indicate that she perhaps may just find at least one of these too speedy in the final furlong. Joe Fanning is in form and takes the ride, but she’s likely to play second fiddle here.