Spear to hit target at Catterick

TIPS: Handicap and ground favour Coyle’s runner

BROKEN SPEAR was not beaten far into third at Catterick last time and can continue his recent renaissance on his return to the same track in the racingtv. com Handicap.

Tony Coyle’s runner seemingly relishes some proper cut in the ground, and conditions were suitably testing when he pitched up over five furlongs earlier this month.

Racing off a mark of 86 – his lowest in over a year – Broken Spear just lacked an extra gear in the closing stages, being beaten under two lengths at the line.

That was a definite step up on his two previous efforts and with the handicapper having left his rating unchanged, as well as easy ground, there is plenty in Broken Spear’s favour on Tuesday.

MAGICAL EFFECT had to settle for second on his most recent outing but can improve again in Sarah Lipsett’s 60th Birthday Celebration Handicap.

The seven-year-old ran over six furlongs here earlier in the month and was a bit unfortunate to bump into what appeared to be a well-handicapped rival in Captain Dion.

He was beaten two and a quarter lengths, and the handicapper has also left his mark unchanged. He is thoroughly versatile in terms of ground.

GMASHA is the pick in the Ladbrokes Where The Nation Plays Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Southwell.

While she is bred to be better over further than the six furlongs she faces today, she showed she could at least handle the trip when fourth at the first attempt at Yarmouth.

Heavy ground might not have totally suited her either, so she is interesting tried on the all-weather.

OLLIVANDER ran no sort of race when last seen, but should be given another chance in the Bombardier British Hopped Amber Beer Handicap.

He finished stone last at Musselburgh, although on the basis of his previous decent effort at Beverley something was surely amiss that day.

CATHEDRAL STREET came up against a superior rival on his racecourse bow, but can put the experience to good use in the Bombardier Golden Beer Novice Stakes.

He gave the winner a bit to think about at Beverley, before ultimately being outclassed in finishing a six-length second. There was plenty to like about that effort, though, and it is surely a matter of time for Cathedral Street.

CATTERICK: 12.30 Mighty Spirit, 1.00 The Grey Zebedee, 1.30 Tamleek, 2.05 Magical Effect, 2.35 Cornerstone Lad, 3.10 BROKEN SPEAR (NAP), 3.45 My Valentino, 4.15 Vallarta.

CHEPSTOW: 1.15 No Rematch, 1.45 Shamilan, 2.20 Eason, 2.50 At First Light, 3.25 Finawn Bawn, 4.00 No Cruise Yet, 4.30 Plenty In The Tank.

SOUTHWELL: 4.45 Shine Baby Shine, 5.15 Gmasha, 5.45 George Mallory, 6.15 Ollivander, 6.45 Skeetah, 7.15 J Gaye, 7.45 Cathedral Street, 8.15 Strict.

DOUBLE: Broken Spear and Gmasha.