Catterick, Monday 11 May 2026 — Good Going Tips

Catterick, Monday 11 May 2026 — Good Going Tips

A six-race card at Catterick on good ground, and there are some genuine angles to work with despite the modest prize funds on offer. The stiff finish at Catterick always tests stamina and favours horses who travel well into their races. Three races stand out for punting purposes today: the novice stakes over 7f, the fillies’ handicap over 6f, and the 2m handicap that looks to have a deserving favourite.

3:00 — Racing Welfare Restricted Novice Stakes (7f)

Selection: Big Shot Veto Each-Way at 10/1 (Boyle Sports, Betfred, LiveScore Bet)

Sam James takes the ride on the Lemos De Souza-trained colt, and there is a solid case for him at double-figure odds. His debut run at Leicester last September told you plenty: belied 33-1 odds when finishing a clear third over 7f on good to soft, with only two lengths covering him. That is a performance that stands out in this field, where the overall quality is limited. The Southwell all-weather run looked wrong at the time and is best ignored entirely. A return to turf at 7f, in manageable company, is exactly the scenario you want for a horse who showed genuine ability first time out. The trainer has one winner from eight runners in the past 14 days so the yard is ticking over. At 10/1, there is each-way value with three places on offer at 1/5 odds.

The market leader to note here is Vega Storm at 6/1. Richard and Peter Fahey have him stepping up in trip to 7f for the first time and the form comment suggests that move could unlock improvement. He cannot be written off but the yard has sent out just three winners from 33 runners recently, so the strike rate is modest. Zarvali at 9/2 is the likely favourite and the nursery second in Ireland is decent form, but the stalls incident at Thirsk raises a concern about his readiness to perform on the day. Big Shot Veto at 10/1 is the value call.

3:30 — Mick Rose Turns 70 Handicap (2m)

Selection: Laravie at 7/4 (Boyle Sports, LiveScore Bet)

James Owen’s yard is the standout operation on the card today, with 14 winners from 58 runners in the past 14 days. That is a strike rate close to 25 percent and deserves serious respect. Laravie carries a 4lb penalty for her win at Salisbury over 1m6f on good to firm, but the manner of that victory was convincing and the form comment is emphatic: she did it in good style. The step back up to 2m is not a concern for a mare with hurdling ability, and good ground suits her perfectly. The Lingfield run that went wrong can be excused, she was sent off at 2-1 on the all-weather and failed to fire, but she clearly came on for it at Salisbury. Hollie Doyle takes the ride and she will settle this mare into the race on a track where stamina is rewarded. At 7/4, this is not a big price, but the yard form makes her almost impossible to oppose.

Wasthatok at 4/1 is the obvious danger. Philip Kirby’s gelding has won over this trip on the all-weather and over hurdles in recent months and clearly retains ability. Arctic Fox at 9/2 ran a big race here over 1m6f last month and the step back up in trip should suit. Both are worthy each-way considerations in a competitive eight-runner field, but Laravie is the most convincing package at the prices.

5:00 — Racing Again 21st May Fillies’ Handicap (6f)

Selection: Betties Bay at 6/4 (Boyle Sports, Betfred)

James Owen again, and the trainer’s red-hot form demands you follow him with another runner. Betties Bay completed a hat-trick at Southwell in January, winning three times at 6f without being fully extended. She is up 4lb for that sequence but crucially, the form comment points out that her best handicap form for her previous yard came off a higher mark than today’s rating. That is the key piece of information here. She is not yet penalised to the point where her mark becomes a problem, and good ground on turf is fine for a filly who won over turf as a two-year-old. Luke Morris is booked and he rides with good judgement on a stiff 6f track. Short price, yes, but justified given the trainer’s current form and the horse’s profile.

Lily Pearl at 7/2 is the most credible threat. Richard Fahey’s filly won on handicap debut at Pontefract over 6f on good to soft and handles good ground too. Off since September and likely to be fresh, she could run a big race first time out as a three-year-old. North West Gal at 6/1 showed real ability when winning at Newcastle and returns to a trip and track combination she has already handled. Both are dangers, but Betties Bay with the trainer firing on all cylinders gets the vote.

Today’s NAP