August 24 / 15.00 Catterick

15.00

Good

Dave Watson Memorial Handicap

  • Prize money: £3456
  • 0m 5f 212y
  • Class 6
  • 12 runners
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Dave Watson Memorial Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 031711 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Proving better than ever this summer and was bagging his third C&D success when getting up late nine days ago; the excellent Sean Kirrane again takes off 3lb and another bold showing is on the cards under a 5lb penalty in his hat-trick bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(5)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

16:35 Hamilton

Rain Cap

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: John David Riches

Won this race in 2022 and finished runner-up in two of three subsequent runnings; looked to be running into form again when fourth of eight at Catterick (7f, good to firm) 24 days ago and a very good run is likely.

11/2

4th

6

(8)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

17:10 Catterick

Rain Cap

9st 6lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: John David Riches

Four of his seven wins have been here, three over 6f and the other at this trip; should come on for his run at Carlisle a week ago (6f, good) when returning from a 70-day break; can go well.

9/1

7th

4

(6)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

14:10 Carlisle

Rain Cap

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: John David Riches

Long in the tooth now and does not have much margin for error off current mark, but was placed twice on Tapeta at Wolverhampton (6f) this spring and will be suited by today's return to turf (has gained all eight wins on grass).

6/1

Form: 877633 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Yet to score this term but arrives in good nick, third to Rain Cap over C&D 22 days ago; enjoys a 7lb pull in the weights with that rival so must enter calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(8)

31st Oct 2023

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

13:42 Catterick

Wades Magic

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

took keen hold, prominent

11/4

2nd

3

(3)

4th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

16:50 Catterick

Wades Magic

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

dwelt start, midfield after 2f, in touch with leaders on inner

9/4

OUR TIP

Form: 634240 D BF

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Winless since last summer and he found his run of good form coming to an end when tenth at Wolverhampton (6f) 50 days ago; can bounce back after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(9)

8th Aug 2023

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

15:25 Catterick

Portelet Bay

9st 2lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: David Evans

Four wins, one of them here, have been at 6f; has some decent form over 7f and comes into the reckoning after a fair run at Wolverhampton last time (6f, met trouble in running).

9/1

6th

8

(5)

19th Jul 2023

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Portelet Bay

9st 9lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: David Evans

4-18 on turf and 0-21 on the AW, albeit running well here on a few occasions as when beaten less than a length into second of ten over 7f in January; makes his debut at this level and cannot be dismissed.

9/1

7th

4

(10)

25th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 80y

Class 6

16:35 Ffos Las

Portelet Bay

9st 9lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: David Evans

Close second over 7f in January; far from consistent otherwise this year and he's still seeking a first win beyond 6f; very well treated on best form but isn't a solid option.

14/1

Form: 320681 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Returned to form to end a long losing run in 5f handicap here nine days ago; needs to back it up under his 5lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(2)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Hot Scoop

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Sam England

Former sprinter who's not as good now and has become inconsistent; no problem with an easy, turning 7f when winning on turf in August but this is the first time he's been 1m and his stamina will be tested over a straight course.

20/1

7th

8

(5)

23rd Sep 2023

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

17:15 Catterick

Hot Scoop

9st 2lb

J: Archie Young

T: Sam England

in touch with leaders

14/1

4th

1

(11)

18th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:05 Thirsk

Hot Scoop

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Sam England

Effective at sprint trips; contrasting performances over 7f at Catterick the last twice, winning a classified event then finishing last of 13 in a handicap; the latest effort tempers enthusiasm.

14/1

Form: 060466 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
16 runs since his C&D win and he came in last of six to Rain Cap over C&D 22 days ago; more is needed despite a tumbling mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(10)

26th Jul 2023

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

17:05 Catterick

Ginato

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

outpaced in rear, always behind

12/1

5th

8

(4)

12th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

17:10 Catterick

Ginato

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Not particularly solid on 2023 evidence and losing run is mounting up; close fourth off a stone higher mark in this contest 12 months ago but he's handicapped on the inferior form since.

10/1

7th

7

(1)

5th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:45 Thirsk

Ginato

9st 2lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Hasn't won since 2021; best run this year when close third to Made Of Lir (with whom he is 3lb better off today) at Ripon last time (6f, good); best on good going or softer; chance if it rains, though stall 1 not ideal.

7/1

Form: 4-0564

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Back on track in first-time blinkers when fourth of 13 in 7f Redcar handicap 38 days ago; less exposed than most of these so needs considering with the headgear retained.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(2)

7th Oct 2022

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Circoloco

9st 0lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Michael Dods

slightly awkward start, soon recovered, midfield, outpaced and pushed along on far side of group 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

25/1

12th

3

(9)

30th Aug 2022

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

17:50 Carlisle

Circoloco

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Michael Dods

awkward start, in touch with leaders, pushed along from 3f out, soon ridden, weakened from 1f out, eased final 110yds

16/1

10th

13

(2)

27th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

18:50 Redcar

Circoloco

8st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

prominent, pushed along when short of room over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

16/1

Form: 210303 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Unreliable sort who turned in one of his better efforts when staying-on third in 5f Ripon handicap 16 days ago; return to 6f should suit but others are still preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(6)

23rd Sep 2023

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

14:55 Catterick

Point Of Woods

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Tina Jackson

held up in last

33/1

12th

13

(8)

5th Sep 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:30 Ripon

Point Of Woods

9st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Tina Jackson

Veteran who's looked on the downgrade this year; another ordinary effort last time and only holds outside claims.

33/1

10th

16

(15)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

20:00 Redcar

Point Of Woods

9st 0lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Tina Jackson

Veteran who has won over C&D in the past but his last success was 15 months ago; has had some traffic issues a couple of times this summer but he's not finished closer than ninth this season and is easy to have reservations; visor is removed and cheekpieces return.

25/1

Form: 040376 D BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Yet to score for current yard and beat only one in 6f Wolverhampton handicap 11 days ago; easy to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(3)

5th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Ayr

Freedom Flyer

9st 5lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Ruth Carr

raced in second, lost position over 1f out, soon no extra

11/4

5th

2

(9)

24th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:55 Ayr

Freedom Flyer

10st 0lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Consistent form this season includes a Thirsk success in April (ended a long losing spell); creditable second over C&D (good) most recently; solid contender off unaltered mark.

9/4

2nd

3

(7)

8th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:25 Ayr

Freedom Flyer

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Ruth Carr

In fine form this term, scoring at Thirsk in April and twice in the frame off a 5lb higher mark since, fourth of 12 at Catterick (5f) 26 days ago; he merits serious consideration off an unchanged mark with this return to 6f a plus.

3/1

Form: 724480 CD

Last run: 86 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
C&D winner but he was out of sorts when last seen in May; needs to get back on track after his layoff.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(4)

30th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:25 Redcar

Stronsay

10st 2lb

J: Mr Jack Lander

T: Liam Bailey

Ran okay in a couple of weak sprints on AW in February but quiet more recently and easy enough to swerve.

33/1

7th

12

(2)

19th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

20:26 Hamilton

Stronsay

9st 0lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

Well treated on his old form but he's 0-21 since his last win (6f, soft) in October 2021 and was tailed off at Redcar last time; opposable.

25/1

6th

8

(5)

10th Apr 2023

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

14:16 Redcar

Stronsay

9st 0lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

On a losing run of 20 since winning at Catterick in October 2021 (6f, soft); others appeal more.

14/1

Form: 5-300

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Has failed to go on since her debut Kempton fifth and beat only one on her handicap debut at Newcastle (7f) in June; others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(2)

17th Sep 2022

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

17:15 Catterick

Ardat

8st 13lb

J: Connor Murtagh

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

led narrowly or disputed lead on inner, headed 3f out, soon pushed along, ridden and weakened quickly from 2f out, eased from 1f out

50/1

13th

8

(8)

30th Aug 2022

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

17:50 Carlisle

Ardat

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

held up in rear, took keen hold, shaken up from over 2f out, soon ridden and beaten

20/1

Form: -03044 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Three-time C&D scorer but yet to hit top form in 2022, finishing a never-dangerous fourth to Rain Cap over C&D nine days ago; 5lb better off now and cheekpieces are retried but he still needs to step forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(5)

6th Sep 2022

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

14:20 Catterick

Sfumato

9st 0lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Ollie Pears

Three of his five wins have come at this track (6f) and he has a 7f win to his name on AW; a couple of sound course runs this year but any rain wouldn't play to his strengths.

20/1

Form: 389547

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
In decent nick without winning until below-par seventh (on good to soft ground) at Carlisle 23 days ago; no forlorn hope off an easing mark under these less testing conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(9)

3rd May 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Billian

8st 11lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Philip Kirby

Won twice over this trip at Wolverhampton and Chelmsford last spring, though is just 3-42 overall and recent efforts don't suggest his strike-rate is about to improve; first-time visor made no difference ten days ago.

20/1

7th

10

(9)

3rd May 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Billian

8st 11lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Philip Kirby

Won twice over this trip at Wolverhampton and Chelmsford last spring, though is just 3-42 overall and recent efforts don't suggest his strike-rate is about to improve; first-time visor made no difference ten days ago.

20/1

11th

13

(9)

23rd Apr 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Billian

9st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Philip Kirby

C&D winner last spring who lacks consistency now and was below market expectations here last time; perhaps the switch of headgear will do the trick.

16/1

Betting Forcast

3/1 Rain Cap, 5/1 Wades Magic, 9/1 Portelet Bay, 6/1 Hot Scoop, 12/1 Ginato, 10/1 Circoloco, 9/1 Point Of Woods, 14/1 Freedom Flyer, 12/1 Stronsay, 50/1 Ardat, 14/1 Sfumato, 9/1 Billian

Verdict

Not so competitive as the numbers suggest and the thriving RAIN CAP is again taken to pounce late from a high draw and complete a quick C&D hat-trick with the excellent Sean Kirrane once more taking off a valuable 3lb. Billian is weighted to have a say too and next on the list, while both Wade’s Magic and Circoloco need factoring in too.[Peter Entwistle]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Rain Cap

POSTDATA:

Ginato

Daily Mirror:

Hot Scoop

The Times:

Billian

Daily Mail:

Sfumato

Daily Express:

Ginato

Daily Record:

Hot Scoop

RP Ratings:

Rain Cap

Telegraph:

Rain Cap

The Guardian:

Rain Cap

The Sun:

Rain Cap

The Star:

Rain Cap