Catterick, Thursday 11 June: Tips and Selections

Catterick, Thursday 11 June: Tips and Selections

A six-race card at Catterick under light rain, with the going riding Good. Three races worth focusing on, with a couple of interesting angles on horses the market may not have fully priced. The tight, undulating track at Catterick rewards horses that handle a turning course, and today’s conditions suit those that aren’t dependent on quicker ground.

6:22 — British EBF Maiden Stakes (7f, 2yo)

Selection: Wilbur — 6/5 Boyle Sports, Betfred

Wilbur catches the eye despite being the 6/5 favourite. A 160,000 euro Kingman yearling out of a juvenile mile winner, he was green and traffic-affected when fourth on debut at Newbury last month, beaten less than three lengths in what was a stronger race than this. The form makes sense for a first run, and the step to seven furlongs looks a natural fit for his profile. Harry Eustace’s yard has been quiet recently but this is a horse with the pedigree and price tag to suggest he was bought with a plan. Clifford Lee, who holds a strong 20% strike rate at this track, picks up Collateral Damage, the Too Darn Hot newcomer worth monitoring if the market firms him up further. But the exposed angle on Wilbur is cleaner. Rogue Passion, the Edward Bethell newcomer, is another debut runner worth noting given Bethell’s 22% course record, but with only five runners and no real price here, Wilbur is the bet.

6:52 — Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Saves Lives Novice Stakes (6f, 3yo+)

Selection: Lady Gormire — 15/8 LiveScore Bet (2/1 Boyle Sports, Betfred)

Lady Gormire shaped well enough to win on her second start here three weeks ago, going down as a 6/1 shot in a 6f maiden over the same course and distance. Bought for 12,000 guineas by Michael Dods after a debut for Kevin Ryan, she clearly retained ability and the yard is ticking along at three wins from 40 runners in the last 14 days, which tells you they are trying. Sean Kirrane boasts an 18% win rate at Catterick and an A/E of 1.2, making him one of the sharpest course operators in the north. The return to 6f suits, and with light rain softening the top of the ground, conditions are unlikely to be a problem. Nursia carries a penalty and is an unknown quantity on turf as a gelding, while Two Commanders ran here less than a fortnight ago and this is not a significant step down. Lady Gormire looks the value play at the prices.

8:23 — Try Racing TV For Free Now Handicap (1m6f)

Selection: Baileys Khelstar Each-Way — 5/1 Boyle Sports, Betfred

This is a cracking handicap to unpick. Lightning Tiger is a fair price at 11/8 for Charlie Fellowes, who carries the best trainer course record of any handler in today’s card at 31% and 1.75 A/E. Sixpack is in solid form and James Owen’s record here (23%, A/E 1.03) is honest. But the value sits with Baileys Khelstar at 5/1. After missing the whole of 2025, Charlie Johnston’s gelding has come back with two good runs this year, including a second behind an in-form stablemate at Newbury over 2m last time out. He acts on any ground, so today’s softening conditions are no concern, and dropping back to 1m6f from 2m could see him involved throughout rather than finishing into a place. Johnston has sent out six winners from 53 runners over the last 14 days, the yard is in decent nick, and Baileys Khelstar at 5/1 offers the best risk-reward on the card. Robert Johnson is the wildcard at 10/1 given his two previous wins over this course and distance, but the 426-day absence is a considerable ask. Take Baileys Khelstar each-way.

Today’s NAP

Lady Gormire — Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Saves Lives Novice Stakes (6:52, Catterick)
Odds: 15/8 — LiveScore Bet (others: 2/1 Boyle Sports, 2/1 Betfred)

She went agonisingly close over this exact course and distance three weeks ago and the experience gained that day should count for plenty. Michael Dods sends her out with Sean Kirrane up, a jockey with an A/E of 1.2 at Catterick. The drop in grade from her Kevin Ryan days, the drop in opposition quality today, and conditions that are only improving for her make this a confident top selection at 15/8.