August 24 / 14.30 Catterick

14.30

Good

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  • Prize money: £5616
  • 0m 5f 212y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
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Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 426178

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Scored at Beverley last month and shaped as if still in top form from 2lb out of the handicap when eighth in Great St Wilfrid at Ripon 11 days ago, coming home second in his group behind subsequent winner Summerghand; well worth considering.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(3)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Ventura Express

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Has drawn a blank since scoring over C&D in July 2024 but he's on a dangerous mark and latest keeping-on fourth of 17 at York (5f, good to firm) was encouraging with a return to a stiff 5f in mind (all six wins here and at Pontefract).

11/2

4th

13

(3)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Ventura Express

11st 3lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Paul Midgley

Seems to be going through the motions and his losing run stretches back over two years; needs to stop the slide but he's on a dangerous mark if staging a revival, so impossible to rule out.

18/1

Form: 396168 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Scored over C&D in July but twice below par since, only eighth in 7f Doncaster handicap 20 days ago; needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

7th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:15 Redcar

Oso Rapido

9st 12lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Roger Fell

prominent, outpaced over 1f out, soon weakened

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 9-0500

Last run: 74 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Useful 5f-winning juvenile but he's been out of sorts in handicaps this term, rearing at the start when 14th at York in June; now returns after being gelded and he's weighted to have a big say if it sparks a resurgence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

All ten wins at 5f; last scored just over a year ago on good to firm but he's got plenty of form on a softer surface and ran well when runner-up in Epsom's "Dash" in June; also performed with credit at Glorious Goodwood and could be the type to bounce back from a lesser effort at Pontefract a fortnight ago; having just his second outing here since winning a C&D novice back in 2021.

5/1

6th

6

(8)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Vintage Clarets

9st 0lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Twice went close in June (5f, good to soft) and he ran well once more when close seventh of 23 at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) last time; could be in the shake-up.

7/1

7th

21

(9)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Vintage Clarets

8st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Two no-shows at Goodwood were at this meeting in 2023, including this race; however, provided the track doesn't pose any problems, he could be interesting after strong finishes in the Dash at Epsom and last time at Chester where a slow start was the last thing he needed; he should be coming home to some effect.

14/1

Form: 130364 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Had visor left off and got back on track when fourth in 7f Lingfield handicap 15 days ago; not ruled out eased 1lb now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Redcar

Spring Is Sprung

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Placed three consecutive times in May-July, most recently when close second off today's mark at York (5f, good to firm); behind Democracy Dilemma when mid-pack in big field at Glorious Goodwood last week but that certainly wasn't a bad run; can make his presence felt.

3/1

16th

22

(23)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Spring Is Sprung

8st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Played his part in a strong pace last time at York yet hung around to finish a half-length behind winner Ziggy's Triton; has little margin for error off this mark and other pace influences temper enthusiasm.

25/1

2nd

3

(4)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:05 York

Spring Is Sprung

9st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Enjoyed a productive summer last year and he returned to action with a career-best effort at Southwell in January; solid runs in defeat on his last two starts; another big run on the cards.

10/1

Form: -08360 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Had been in good nick until well held from 4lb out of the handicap in Great St Wilfrid at Ripon 11 days ago; back off his proper mark now but it's still 17 outings since his last victory.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(12)

7th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:50 Beverley

Embour

10st 1lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Ruth Carr

towards rear

50/1

6th

2

(3)

20th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:15 Beverley

Embour

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Ruth Carr

Won three times (5f/6f) on the AW last autumn/winter and he's equally good on turf; however, he's not known for his reliability and his last two efforts have been poor ones; bit to prove after an absence.

14/1

10th

10

(6)

3rd Mar 2023

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 3

15:00 Lingfield (AW)

Embour

9st 3lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Ruth Carr

Deserves some credit for winning three times this autumn/winter, including here; however, the negative is his inconsistency, as reflected in his form figures; not entirely sure what to expect.

14/1

Form: 004010 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a much-reduced mark at Haydock (6f) in July but he beat only one at York 33 days ago; needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

19:35 Epsom

Muscika

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: David O’Meara

Veteran with 18 wins on his CV, including over C&D; last success was from the front at Redcar (6f, good to firm) in May but he's been well held in both runs since; bit to prove again but has possibilities if he can bounce back.

12/1

Form: 221289 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Bagged 6f handicap at Hamilton (6f) in June and largely in good form since, poorly drawn when ninth of 17 at Haydock (6f) 17 days ago; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(1)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Jordan Electrics

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Cheekpieces on for the first time when ending a long losing sequence at Ayr (6f) in July; backed it up with a good third of 11 at Hamilton (5f) a week ago; must enter calculations back up to 6f with headgear retained.

14/1

3rd

7

(12)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

18:45 Hamilton

Jordan Electrics

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Jim Goldie

Had first-time cheekpieces (retained) when making all at Ayr (5f, good to firm) a month ago for his first win in a while; put back up 4lb but still has handicapping scope if the headgear works again.

4/1

Form: 47-081 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Back to winning ways when comfortably making all at Doncaster (6f) last month; much respected despite taking a 5lb rise but it's worth noting he very much had the run of the race there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(8)

4th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Impeller

9st 0lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Grace Harris

Four-time winner over 6f for Tim Easterby, including on the old Fibresand surface at Southwell; didn't show much on her stable debut over C&D last time (behind Ultramarine) and best to look elsewhere.

25/1

7

(5)

18th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Impeller

9st 2lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Grace Harris

Mostly consistent on turf this year for Tim Easterby, sold for 5,500gns after finishing third of nine at Redcar four weeks ago; rarely seen on AW but did win at Southwell (Fibresand) earlier in career.

12/1

3rd

1

(7)

20th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

14:10 Redcar

Impeller

9st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

String of good efforts in July and August, winning at Carlisle (6f, good to soft) and placed on five other occasions; not at his best at Pontefract 11 days ago though and he'll be 2lb lower from the weekend.

10/1

Form: 004830 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D scorer last autumn who signalled his turn is near again when third at Goodwood last month; only tenth at Southwell since but no surprise to see him bounce back in refitted cheekpieces off a handy-looking mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(1)

10th Feb 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

16:20 Southwell (AW)

Dark Shot

9st 1lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Veteran who has raced mainly at sprint trips and failed to get home on sole attempt over 7f (three starts ago); opposed back up in distance.

25/1

8

(6)

2nd Feb 2023

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

13:50 Southwell (AW)

Dark Shot

9st 2lb

J: Elisha Whittington

T: Scott Dixon

10yo who is inconsistent and has won just one of his last 26 starts; however, that was over C&D in October and he was a fair fourth over C&D last Thursday; capable of a bold bid if on another going day.

16/1

4th

11

(2)

26th Jan 2023

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

15:20 Southwell (AW)

Dark Shot

8st 12lb

J: Elisha Whittington

T: Scott Dixon

C&D winner in October and he didn't run badly back here 16 days ago; 7f no good to him last week and he's on a fair mark if this is a good day.

25/1

Form: 236145 C

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Course winner (when blinkered) in June but he has the headgear left off after two below-par showings at Musselburgh and Thirsk this month; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(9)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 4f 217y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield

Birkenhead

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Paul Midgley

Into the veteran stage but he retains plenty of dash, setting a good pace at Catterick 17 days ago before weakening into third (Tuscan Point second but 8lb worse off today); likely to make a beeline for the stands' rail and more minor money could be on the cards.

5/1

3rd

3

(6)

22nd Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

13:52 Catterick

Birkenhead

9st 13lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Paul Midgley

The old man of the party but he still likes to get on with it and has a good record here; solid comeback second on AW in January wasn't built on but he's back down to the same mark he won this race from last year; that was a fourth C&D win and he has to enter calculations.

8/1

11th

5

(4)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Birkenhead

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Front-runner; ended 2025 campaign with a C&D second and filled the same position on his return in January, again over C&D; backward step last time but capable of a prominent showing off this mark.

10/1

Betting Forcast

11/2 Ventura Express, 7/1 Oso Rapido, 7/1 Vintage Clarets, 7/1 Spring Is Sprung, 9/1 Embour, 7/1 Muscika, 9/1 Jordan Electrics, 9/2 Impeller, 9/1 Dark Shot, 12/1 Birkenhead

Non-runners

Muscika

Verdict

A case can be made for a few of these, but VENTURA EXPRESS gets the verdict given he didn’t enjoy the rub of the green when eighth in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (second in his group behind a subsequent winner) and can race off a 2lb lower mark. Dark Shot is weighted to have a big say if on his A-game, as is Vintage Clarets (second choice) who has been keeping better company and returns from a break after being gelded. Jordan Electrics completes the shortlist.[Peter Entwistle]

Selections

The Guardian:

Embour

The Times:

Vintage Clarets

Telegraph:

Impeller

SPOTLIGHT:

Ventura Express

NEWMARKET:

Spring Is Sprung

TOPSPEED:

Birkenhead

POSTDATA:

Oso Rapido

Daily Mirror:

Muscika

RP Ratings:

Dark Shot

The Star:

Vintage Clarets

Daily Record:

Impeller

The Sun:

Ventura Express

Daily Mail:

Embour

Daily Express:

Embour