UK Horse Racing Tips: Catterick

GOLD EMERY hasn't won over this sort of trip since his point-to-point days, but that doesn't tell the whole story. The Donald McCain-trained 10-year-old had Fern Hill (fifth) almost 18 lengths behind him when they met at Wetherby at the start of last month and he can significantly better that third-placed finish on slightly better terms. C&D winner Ladronne and Tiger Orchid both concede plenty of weight to the selection, but are capable of being on the premises.
Prediction : 1st Gold Emery 2nd Fern Hill 3rd Ladronne

RED OAK built on promising efforts in Irish bumpers by getting off the mark over hurdles at the second time of asking at Musselburgh. He is learning on the job and is the type to kick on, despite the mandatory 7lb penalty. Fellow penalised runners Kosac D'oudairies and Noonetellsmenothin also appeal strongly, although classy Flat recruit Alsakib could be a bigger danger if stepping forward from last month's second at Wetherby.
Prediction : 1st Red Oak 2nd Alsakib 3rd Kosac Doudairies

HUIT REFLETS has reverted to chasing relatively late in life, but seems revitalised by the move and he romped home at Sedgefield on Boxing Day. A 6lb rise looks workable and he could be difficult to overhaul over this suitable longer trip. Fellow last-time-out winners Powerofjet and Marty Mcfly are other serious contenders and the latter is rated the biggest danger to the selection, with his stamina more proven.
Prediction : 1st Huit Reflets 2nd Marty Mcfly 3rd Powerofjet

INFERNO SACREE was denied by the narrowest of margins at Taunton last month and the eight-year-old merits plenty of respect off just a 1lb higher mark. Kelijoe was successful on his most recent outing at Doncaster and is an obvious danger, although a 7lb rise in this much tougher contest demands improvement. Others to note are Bollin Neil and Jack Hoola.
Prediction : 1st Inferno Sacree 2nd Kelijoe 3rd Bollin Neil

WOLFBURG bolted up on just his second start over fences at Wetherby on Boxing Day. A 6lb rise for that success appears to be more than fair and Sandy Thomson's gelding gets the nod in an open event. Valence D'Aumont pipped Mersey Street over C&D last month and both are likely to go well once again. The shortlist is completed by Defence Witness and Bravethewaves.
Prediction : 1st Wolfburg 2nd Valence DAumont 3rd Mersey Street

Given that most of these have questions to answer, it is hard to oppose RUKAANA. The five-year-old won easily at Windsor on New Year's Day and even a 9lb rise may not be enough to stop him from following up in this company. Newport's two efforts last month suggest that he is likely to be the main threat, ahead of the unexposed Romancier.
Prediction : 1st Rukaana 2nd Newport 3rd Romancier

Those with racecourse experience do not inspire any confidence, so preference is for LUNA LUX. The daughter of Masked Marvel cost 50,000 euros and represents a yard that does well in bumpers. Similar comments apply to Broadway Dreamer and Nightflyer, who is related to winners on the Flat. Any market support for Bound For Glory or Teddie would have to be noted.
Prediction : 1st Luna Lux 2nd Nightflyer 3rd Broadway Dreamer