In the 7.40 at Catterick on Friday, Rusty Rocket makes a quick reappearance after winning narrowly at Redcar on Monday and can defy a 6lb penalty. Paul Green’s seven-year-old drops back into 0-80 company under the welter burden of 10st 4lb, but apprentice Paddy Pilley takes off a useful 5lb and the son of Majestic Missile has won under 9st 7lb and 9st 9lb in the past. He’s on a career-high mark, but connections are clearly keen to strike while the iron is hot and the hint looks worth taking.
In the 8.10, Astra Hall won with plenty in hand over course and distance last month and can defy a further 8lb rise in the weights. Michael Appleby’s seven-year-old mare has yet to win on going faster than good, so connections will be hoping that the showers forecast for Wednesday and Thursday cause some easing of the prevailing good to firm going but, in any case, her one and only run on faster going was inconclusive. The daughter of Halling has yet to win off a mark this high, but has finally emerged from a lengthy spell in the doldrums and has looked better than ever since returned to turf last month. She has clearly struck up a good relationship with apprentice George Bucknell, who’s 2-2 on her, and the partnership can complete a hat-trick.
Selections: Catterick 7.40 Rusty Rocket, Catterick 8.10 Astra Hall, 1-point Win Double
