We have five runners on Friday, three at Catterick, where the good, good to firm ground has decimated the field sizes, with only 41 declared over the seven race card, and a two at Newcastle on their all weather Tapeta surface.
Balkotic is versatile when it comes to the underfoot conditions, and has run well at Catterick on previous occasions, notably when winning over this distance in 2022, and when finishing third in this corresponding race last year from 3lb higher than now. Balkotic hasn't been at his best on his last three starts, but will face only three rivals at 12.05.pm, in the 0-120 conditional jockeys handicap hurdle, over three miles and one furlong, with his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle.
Mister Bells was at his best when easily winning over this course and distance back in January by four and a half lengths, and after three below par efforts since, he is now just 2lb above that success. The majority of Mister Bells best form is on a soft surface, but he has got form on good, but has never run with firm in the description. He runs at 3.00.pm, in the 0-125 handicap chase, over three miles and one furlong, where he will face just two rivals, with his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston retaining the ride.
Kids Say Lastgojoe can be definitely marked up for his debut run at Newcastle 22 days ago, when after pulling far too hard, he still managed an excellent fourth, only beaten by five and a half lengths. Kids Say Lastgojoe who wore a hood that day, which is retained here, will be seen to a lot better advantage once he learns to settle. He runs at 3.32.pm, in the bumper, over the extender one mile and seven furlongs, with Brian Hughes taking the ride.
At Newcastle, Dundory will make his stable debut at 3.39.pm, in the 0-65 handicap, over the extended one mile and four furlongs, with Aiden Brookes in the saddle. Dundory is a dual purpose performer, who although a seven race maiden over the jumps, was a staying on third when last seen at Uttoxeter five weeks ago. He is a six times winner on the flat, but his recent runs on the level haven't been so good, which has seen his mark slip to 8lb below his latest success back in April at Doncaster.
Evoluir has his third start for the yard when going to post for the 0-52 handicap, at 7.45.pm, over his favoured six furlongs, with Aiden Brookes retaining the ride. It appears that from his initial runs for us that a fast run race would suit, as he has been doing his best work at the business end. His win for his previous yard came over this trip at Southwell from a 3lb lower mark than now, and his draw in stall seven is good.
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Good luck to the connections, Raypasha, Mr and Mrs Paul Chapman, Joe Buzzeo, Aleem Kanji, and Anthony Bithell.
Kids Say Lastgojoe.
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