Sun Cloud can turn back clock at Catterick

Malcolm Jefferson’s 11-year-old charge is in cracking form

SUN CLOUD can repeat his victory of four years ago in the Watt Fences North Yorkshire Grand National Handicap Chase at Catterick.

Malcolm Jefferson’s charge may be approaching the twilight of his career but is in cracking form, with a rating just 1lb higher than that successful 2014 perch.

The 11-year-old has triumphed on his last two starts, winning on heavy ground at Perth in September before following up on better ground at Sedgefield in November.

He won off a mark of 127 on that latter occasion but has since been eased 3lb in the weights, which is a definite plus. WINDSOR CROSS should appreciate a switch back in trip in the 32Red.com Handicap at Newcastle.

Richard Fahey has pitched his charge over a mile on his last two starts, but the three-year-old has seemingly found it tough going in the closing stages on both occasions, hitting the frame without really troubling the victor.

Those efforts suggest a drop down to seven furlongs would be in his favour, an opinion which is underlined by the fact his sole win to date came over that distance at this track back in November.

Windsor Cross was a convincing winner of a moderate heat that day, prompting the handicapper to give him a starting mark of 81 – a perch which has dropped 2lb after his recent efforts.

That dip in the ratings, combined with the shorter trip ,can put Windsor Cross back on the winning track.

TWIZZELL showed signs of a return to form on her first start of the year and is one for the shortlist in the Betway Sprint Handicap.

Nine races last year yielded a win and a handful of places, but she looked as though she was ready for a break when down the field at Newcastle in October and Karl Burke duly gave her a rest.

She returned with a length-and-ahalf second at Gosforth Park last week.

Clearly refreshed, Twizzell can kick on again here. SELECTIONS: CATTERICK: 12.30 Turning Gold, 1.00 Chu Chu Percy, 1.30 Un Prophete, 2.05 Hear No Evil, 2.35 SUN CLOUD (NAP), 3.10 Niceandeasy, 3.45 Hit And Run. NEWCASTLE:1.55ArtfulRogue,2.25

Esspeegee, 3.00 Theglasgowwarrior, 3.35 Swordcraft, 4.05 Windsor Cross, 4.35 Twizzell, 5.05 Native Appeal.

DOUBLE: Sun Cloud and Windsor Cross.