UK Horse Racing Tips: Catterick

AURA OF MELANIA has been knocking hard on the door the last twice, both here and at Ripon, and Roger Fell's juvenile is going to win a nursery of this nature sooner rather than later. She has clearly improved for dropping back to 6f and gets a confident vote. Of the others, keep a close eye on Cheeky Chesca and Mick's The Boy.
Prediction : 1st Aura Of Melania 2nd Cheeky Chesca 3rd Micks The Boy

There are a few in here who are beginning to look a bit exposed, but Queen Sana gets first-time cheekpieces now and Stoneacre Joe is tried in blinkers. You can add Apex Star to that list, and perhaps the safe play is PERSIAN GATE, who improved from his first to second run when going down by a head in third at Chepstow.
Prediction : 1st Persian Gate 2nd Queen Sana 3rd Apex Star

GIANT's nose was just in front at Brighton last month and Ian Williams' charge is taken to go in again now confidence has been restored. The drop back to 6f clearly helped him last time and connections have found their gelding another very winnable opening. Methgal arrives in good nick and cannot be overlooked, while Battenburg Belle should also be thereabouts.
Prediction : 1st Giant 2nd Methgal 3rd Battenburg Belle

Pit Boss scores highly for consistency but might just be vulnerable in here switching to turf on the back of a break. With that in mind, C&D scorer DREAM DEAL might be a safer bet and Tim Easterby's charge can leave a moderate Beverley performance behind back on better ground. It's also worth considering Ideal Guest and One Of Our Own.
Prediction : 1st Dream Deal 2nd Pit Boss 3rd Ideal Guest

Lanarra scored over C&D in a classified event recently and another bold bid would come as no surprise. However, the return to handicap company does require a bit more, with MAYNORA is a touch more appealing. Craig Lidster's inmate arrives on the back of a solid second at Ayr and a similar performance off an unaltered mark may prove sufficient. Southwell winner Taaklam is high on the shortlist as well.
Prediction : 1st Maynora 2nd Lanarra 3rd Taaklam

CAPTAIN CESS didn't enjoy the best of runs when runner-up on his follow-up bid over 6f here and compensation may beckon. A 1lb nudge up in the ratings may prove to be lenient for the four-year-old, with a return to his last winning distance sure to suit. Filey Beach posted a respectable fifth at Beverley recently and may serve the most resistance to the selection, ahead of Electric Lightning.
Prediction : 1st Captain Cess 2nd Filey Beach 3rd Electric Lightning

Our Absent Friends looked close to his best when hitting the frame at Ripon eight days ago and he looks more than capable of going close at the same level. The veteran isn't taken lightly, but WEN MOON is slightly more compelling. Ben Haslam's inmate has finished third on his last two outings and a race of this nature looks within his compass. J Street and Hanney Girl are others of interest.
Prediction : 1st Wen Moon 2nd Our Absent Friends 3rd J Street

This may be settled between the two penalised winners in Star Start and ZIMMERMAN, with preference for the latter. Tim Easterby's gelding is racing off the same rating as his recent victory at Haydock on Friday and a hat-trick may be in order if those exertions don't take their toll. The aforementioned Star Start boasts a consistent profile and should make his presence felt, with Fleur De Mer the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Zimmerman 2nd Star Start 3rd Fleur De Mer