UK Horse Racing Tips: Catterick

SQUARE D'ALBONI shaped with a fair amount of promise on his hurdling debut when third to Fire Warning at Newbury and that experience will only benefit him now competing against his own age group. Hellion ran particularly well on his second start on the Flat at Bath in September and has since joined Donald McCain. He is likely to be competitive along with Belaya River.
Prediction : 1st Square Dalboni 2nd Hellion 3rd Belaya River

ALWAYS A REASON improved over hurdles, winning at Southwell and finishing a close second at Carlisle, before making a successful switch to the larger obstacles at Newcastle. Despite going up 5lb, Rebecca Menzies' gelding makes plenty of appeal in his bid to back up that performance. Zero Tolerance returned with a solid effort here over shorter and is capable of a decent showing. Starman appears best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Always A Reason 2nd Zero Tolerance 3rd Starman

On her last seven starts, Devon Skies has either won or been pulled up and she needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Sedgefield. Avalon Beach landed a maiden hurdle at the same venue in November and ran with credit when runner-up at Wetherby last time. The vote, though, goes to ABBEY SCOPE. Nicky Richards tends to be very patient with his horses and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see this six-year-old step forward considerably on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Abbey Scope 2nd Avalon Beach 3rd Devon Skies

After emphatic wins at Hexham and Warwick, it's hard to oppose STICK WITH ME SAM. A 5lb rise for his latest success is manageable in what doesn't appear to be a stronger race. The recent form posted by the rest is nothing to write home about, but Forcetoreckonwith is still of low mileage over fences and could be a key player with a step forward. Irish raider Bid Up won't need to raise his game by much to cover the travel expenses in this company.
Prediction : 1st Stick With Me Sam 2nd Forcetoreckonwith 3rd Bid Up

FORTUNEFAVORSDBOLD looks worth chancing. Although she was well held in both placed starts since returning to action, she had plenty more behind than in front of her and from 14lb below her last winning mark, this could be a good time to catch the Christian Williams-trained mare. Bo Cruz and Court At Slip have similar profiles and merit close inspection in the betting. Bushypark is also dangerous to ignore on these terms.
Prediction : 1st Fortunefavorsdbold 2nd Bo Cruz 3rd Court At Slip

Having been edged out by a subsequent winner at Taunton, COLONIAL EMPIRE looks ready to rule his rivals. The nine-year-old is entitled to strip fitter for that first appearance in 189 days and a 2lb nudge up the ratings is surmountable. Wetherby third Asa merits respect on this quick turnaround and shouldn't be far away if performing to a similar level, while dual course winner Born In The West isn't easily dismissed either.
Prediction : 1st Colonial Empire 2nd Asa 3rd Born In The West

KAZAR FOREZ continued on his upward trajectory when romping home at Sedgefield and he's sure to be towards the head of the market on this hat-trick bid. Joshua Thompson negates most of the 7lb penalty with his claim and the six-year-old should take all the beating. Handicap debutant Playful Fox shouldn't be underestimated given his leading connections, and market support would be interesting. Voodoo Angel is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Kazar Forez 2nd Playful Fox 3rd Voodoo Angel