Catterick - Tuesday 26th October

 

In a market dominated by Captain Corcoran and Val De Travers, both of whom have good chances but at shortish prices, as does the potentially progressive Country Charm, I am more drawn to the chances of a couple of older horses who look very well handicapped and due a win.

 

Having discarded The Glooming who has a decent chance on form but may be best at Musselburgh, I cannot resist the claims of the veteran LUCKY BEGGAR or the Course and indeed specific race specialist ROCKLEY POINT.

 

It can be an advantage to be drawn higher here on soft Going and both are away from the usually favoured low draw numbers to a degree.

 

LUCKY BEGGAR has won at Catterick and over the Distance, it's last win was off 48 in soft conditions and it has regularly placed off marks in the low to mid 50's and is one of those who is "due a win". Now in the veteran stages it's held form pretty well and that experience can come in to play against a few  younger ones who may just be feeling a long season. off a mark of 51, with a decent 3lbs Claimer who knows the horse, I give it a sporting each way chance at nice odds with some enhanced places on offer.

 

ROCKLEY POINT won this race in 2018 and 2020 and runs off the same mark here as last year, Jason Hart is a big asset and in form and a Draw in stall 6 gives it some tactical scope and another big run in favoured conditions would be no surprise.

 

 

In the 4.25, a 6 furlong handicap Class 4 - I can't see past MUSCIKA who has ideal conditions, a potentially perfect draw in Stall 8 and no excuses today. I'll be watching the recent Irish recruit for Grant Tuer, Tashgheel as it could be becoming well handicapped too.