UK Horse Racing Tips: Catterick

Stroxx held on to make all in a classified stakes at Chelmsford on his latest outing and he has to be considered on his return to the handicap ranks. However, the vote goes to ZOOM STAR, who failed to justify favouritism over C&D in October, but she was far from disgraced in fourth that day. Bryan Smart's mare is 1lb lower and can make a winning return to action. Rockley Point completes the shortlist after his narrow Newcastle defeat.
Prediction : 1st Zoom Star 2nd Stroxx 3rd Rockley Point

Sergeant Mayer filled the runner-up spot on each of his last three starts back in August and September, and he remains on the same rating so is likely to be thereabouts. However, preference is for CRACK THE KODE, who struck by a short head over track and trip in October. Kevin Ryan's gelding is 3lb higher, but can continue his upward curve on his return to the fray and make it three wins out of his last four. Handicap debutant Big Blue Boy warrants a market check in a first-time tongue-tie.
Prediction : 1st Crack The Kode 2nd Sergeant Mayer 3rd Big Blue Boy

BONNE VITESSE has failed to fire in three spins over timber since hitting the crossbar in a class 5 event over 2m2f at Pontefract in October. Micky Hammond's mare is only 1lb higher on her return to the Flat and should relish conditions so she gets the nod. The main threat might be Heatherdown Hero, who won and finished second in two starts at Newcastle last month and he has to be respected on his return to the turf. Carlton is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Bonne Vitesse 2nd Heatherdown Hero 3rd Carlton

Unlucky not to get his head in front towards the back end of last season, EYE OF DUBAI is likely to relish the step up in trip and this looks like an ideal opportunity to get his three-year-old campaign off to the perfect start. Elemental Eye wasn't far away on his handicap debut at Ayr, while newcomer Moon Solitaire is a half-sister to Abbaye winner Wizz Kid so must be monitored for market support.
Prediction : 1st Eye Of Dubai 2nd Elemental Eye 3rd Moon Solitaire

AL MUQDAD may have only had the one start on turf, for previous connections, but he is a half-brother to a Listed winner on the surface and there should be more to come after recently breaking the maiden at Newcastle. A winner of three of his last four C&D starts, Mutanaaseq can follow the selection home, with others to note including Beauty Choice, Camacho Star and Sir Maxi.
Prediction : 1st Al Muqdad 2nd Mutanaaseq 3rd Beauty Choice

KNICKS capped off his juvenile campaign with a victory over the now 83-rated Eminny at Nottingham in September. Now 4lb higher ahead of his return to action/stable debut, this mark should be well within range and he is expected to mount a stern challenge. A high draw is far from ideal for Artistic Mission, but he might appreciate the switch to turf and first-time blinkers. Others to note include Shelbourne and C&D winner Act Of Violence.
Prediction : 1st Knicks 2nd Artistic Mission 3rd Shelbourne

Impressor was a model of consistency last year, but his record following a break would have to temper enthusiasm slightly. With that in mind, a chance can be taken on MERSEA. The daughter of Born To Sea shaped with more promise than the beaten distance would suggest at Wolverhampton last month and, from a 2lb lower mark, she could take advantage. John Kirkup remains well treated on past exploits and must enter the reckoning, while fellow veteran Redrosezorro loves it around here and is no back number.
Prediction : 1st Mersea 2nd Impressor 3rd John Kirkup