A competitive Class 5 handicap hurdle over 2m3½f at Catterick features a field of eight runners on good ground. With a few in-form types and some well-handicapped horses, there’s enough depth to make this interesting.

Race Overview:

The market is led by Born In The West, who arrives off the back of solid placed efforts. He’s been knocking on the door since switching to handicaps and looks set to run his race again. The only downside is his price. At around 3.9 on Betfair, there’s little juice left, and while he’s the obvious one on paper, backing him at short odds in this type of race doesn’t offer much long-term value.

Next in is Rehill Relic, who has been mixing it in better company. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, and while the drop back to this level helps, his current odds look a bit on the short side given the patchy profile.

Value Angles:

The one that stands out at the prices is Evenwood Sonofagun. He got his head in front at Musselburgh last time out and only goes up 3lb for that. He’s still fairly treated on that evidence and at current odds of around 7.6, he looks worth chancing to follow up. He may have a bit more to come and shouldn’t be far away if in the same form.

Lahire is another to keep onside. He’s been running consistently and shapes as if this step up in trip could suit. His in-running profile is strong too – regularly trading much shorter than SP – which makes him one to consider for back-to-lay players or those looking for something solid each-way. His price of 7.4 holds a bit of value.

Summary:

• Born In The West – Solid favourite, but too short in the betting.
• Evenwood Sonofagun – Best value play. In form, fair mark, good price.
• Lahire – Reliable, improving, strong in-play angles. Each-way chance.

It’s not a race to go overboard on, but Evenwood Sonofagun makes the most appeal from a betting perspective, with Lahire as solid back-up.