SIOUX TO TAKE CATTERICK SCALPS

SIOUX Chieftain can make a successful debut for trainer Michael Appleby when he wages war in the Racing UK On Sky 432 Handicap at Catterick.

The capable Danethorpe handler has taken over the stewardship of this threeyear- old gelding from Tim Pitt, for whom he won a mile- and- a- quarter handicap at Nottingham in April.

Sioux Chieftain is 10lb higher here, but there are valid reasons to expect a big run on his Appleby bow.

The son of Mount Nelson could not justify favouritism on his last start at Newmarket in June, but that effort can be best forgotten as he was not suited by the way in which the race was run.

Before that, Sioux Chieftain ran a stormer in a hot mile- and- a- half handicap at York, where he was beaten two and a half lengths on soft ground.

This is important, as the ground is likely to be exceedingly demanding in North Yorkshire.

He also faces nothing of the calibre of the two horses, Esteaming and Rundell, in front of him on the Knavesmire.

Despite having been off the track for 123 days, he showed at Nottingham that he is a useful tool when fresh.

Sioux Chieftain is also the most unexposed horse in what is a pretty underwhelming line- up.

Kung Hei Fat Choy looked rejuvenated at Catterick earlier this month and gets the nod in the BetVictor New Live Casino Handicap at Yarmouth.

James Given’s four- year- old gelding has had an indifferent season, but he demonstrated a nice shift of gear on his last outing when he stayed on for fourth over seven furlongs.

The son of Elusive Quality was given too much to do that day, so might have even got closer to the winner, Showboating, if more forceful tactics had been deployed.

In any event, the step back up to a mile can be seen as a good thing, while he has also exhibited a distinct liking for when the mud is flying.

Breccbennach is a relatively interesting runner in the Ladbrokes Handicap at Wolverhampton.

The former John Oxx inmate has had a fair season for Seamus Durack, with a solid victory at Leicester in September the highlight.

He also turned in a pretty encouraging display in a good six- furlong handicap at Newmarket later that month, when he plugged on for fourth spot behind Equitania, beaten only a length and a half.