The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ideal chance for Machree to open account
Stage set for Declan Carroll’s charge to shine at Catterick
Declan Carroll’s MACHREE ran a huge race last time out at York and should have no trouble opening his account in the Halloween EBF Novice Stakes at Catterick.
Sent off 50-1 for his debut at Ripon he belied those odds by finishing third to Michael Bell’s Revived, beaten just over a length.
That was over five furlongs, and he faced an extra half furlong and a steep rise in class on the Knavesmire.
His performance will have gone into many notebooks as he looked set to play a hand in the finish when he inexplicably jumped a path with two furlongs to run.
Many young horses would have completely lost their way doing that at racing pace yet, despite losing many lengths, he regained his momentum to finish fourth and was beaten by just over two lengths.
It is not stretching the imagination to suggest he lost far more ground than he was beaten by, and it is logical to think a Catterick event is of lesser class than one at York.
MIXBOY, a smart chaser for Keith Dalgleish, can take his record on the Flat to two out of three in the Eat Drink Sleep Nags Head Pickhill Handicap.
He won three of his five races over fences last year and after a break he bolted up at Ripon, his debut on the level.
Beaten at Ayr last time out, that can be put down to heavy ground, and back on a better surface he can be expected to regain the winning thread.
The first-time visor looks a good move by Kevin Ryan on AL KHAN in the Dine And View At Catterick Races Handicap.
After a winless season his mark has dropped from 90 to 78 but his last win was off 85 so he is very capable at his best.
It is a surprise Ryan has not reached for the headgear before now but, having also been given a chance by the handicapper, he can bounce back.
Paul Nicholls’ ROCK ON OSCAR should be on the mark in the Winning Post Bookmakers Bristol Novices’ Chase at Chepstow.
He had one start over fences last term, finishing second to Virgilio who went on to be placed twice at Grade One level, so he clearly has ability. SELECTIONS: CATTERICK: 12.35 Machree, 1.05 Compton River, 1.35 Mixboy, 2.10 Al Khan, 2.40 Only Orsenfoolsies, 3.15 Jacob’s Pillow, 3.45 Adam’s Ale, 4.20 Snow Excuse. CHEPSTOW: 1.15 Canelo, 1.45 Vinegar Hill, 2.20 Shadow Blue, 2.50 Mondello, 3.25 Rock On Oscar, 3.55 For Carmel, 4.30 As I See It. DOUBLE: Jellmood and Mixboy.