McCain set for fruitful day atCatterick

Every prospect for Bankhouse handler to continue mini revival

Donald McCain’s string have hit form with a vengeance in the last week, and the Bankhouse handler looks set for another fruitful afternoon at Catterick.

It has been a difficult couple of years for the Cholmondeley-based trainer, with big-race victories proving harder to come by after losing a significant number of horses.

However, he has enjoyed a mini revival this month, with a Carlisle treble last Wednesday followed by a Friday double at Bangor.

McCain sends a strong team to North Yorkshire and can get the day off to a successful start with SAME

CIRCUS ready to secure a deserved victory in the Racing To School Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

The Irish point-to-point graduate made a winning debut under Rules at Hexham last autumn. A hot race at Newbury on her next start was a step too far, but she has since filled the runner-up spot three times in a row.

Same Circus was unfortunate to bump into the very useful Impulsive Star over this course and distance a month ago, and this looks a fine opportunity for her to go one better. Meanwhile, fellow McCain inmate

DANCEINTOTHELIGHT has every chance to enhance his excellent record at the track in the Dine And View At Catterick Races Handicap Hurdle.

A veteran of the northern racing scene having previously been trained by Kevin Ryan and Micky Hammond, the 10-year-old has more than 100 appearances to his name.

Of his nine career victories, five have been at Catterick and he proved he retains plenty of zest and enthusiasm for the game with a fine front-running success at Musselburgh last month.

A 5lb hike seems fair enough, and another bold bid is anticipated.

MINELLA ON LINE can get back on the winning trail in the Read Barry Geraghty’s Blog On attheraces.com Chase at Plumpton.

The King’s Theatre gelding has endured a largely disappointing career over fences thus far, but really looked to have got his act together when making a winning reappearance at this venue in November.

SELECTIONS:

CATTERICK: 2.10 SAME CIRCUS (NAP), 2.40 Danceintothelight, 3.10 Batavir, 3.40 Raise A Spark, 4.10 I Just Know, 4.40 Mountain Hawk.

PLUMPTON: 2.00 Postbridge, 2.30 Minella On Line, 3.00 Kings Walk, 3.30 Clonusker, 4.00 Wishicould, 4.30 The Game Is A Foot.

DOUBLE: Same Circus and Danceintothelight.