Pace Forecast: Strong
There is no draw bias at this trip. A strong pace is predicted, which should favour those ridden patiently. Hold-up types usually need luck at Catterick over this trip but may get a better setup with the tempo likely to be honest.


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Strongest Contenders

ZEPHLYN (IRE) – 6yo gelding, Ewan Whillans
Course specialist who arrives in top form after back-to-back wins here last month, including a game nose verdict over Cosmic Soul. Has won three of his last five, stays well, acts on good ground, and is well suited to the demands of this venue. He races prominently, which is typically advantageous here. Adjusted rating: 80.

MYBOYMAX (FR) – 7yo gelding, Micky Hammond
Returned from a 7-month break with a solid third behind Zephlyn here over this C&D. He’s a previous Catterick winner, stays well, and is down to an attractive mark. Well drawn and will be fitter for the run. Adjusted rating: 84, making him a key player if stepping forward.

MY HARRISON GEORGE (IRE) – 5yo gelding, Richard Fahey
Comes in off a Beverley win where he made all and showed a good attitude. Has now won two of his last three, but steps up markedly in trip here. If he gets the trip, he could be a danger, especially from the front. Adjusted rating: 82, though stamina is the query.

MORANDI SECOND (FR) – 6yo gelding, Patrick Neville
Bolted up in a Catterick handicap over 1¾m in heavy ground last backend. Below form over hurdles since but returns to the scene of his win off a break. Needs watching in the betting after 110 days off. Adjusted rating: 83. Market check essential.


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Main Dangers

COSMIC SOUL (IRE) – 5yo gelding, Patrick Neville
Split Zephlyn and Myboymax in a tight finish here last time, travelling notably well. Lightly raced and unexposed at staying trips, with Timeform noting he hit a low in-running price last time. Second run back off a break, and could build on it. Adjusted rating: 81.

CORSICAN CAPER (IRE) – 5yo gelding, Kevin Frost
Won five races last season and was sent off favourite last time. Found little under pressure but might bounce back in a more even gallop. Will be held up, so will need luck, though the pace scenario may assist. Adjusted rating: 82. Interesting outsider.


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Interesting Outsiders

SHOW NO FEAR (IRE) – 5yo gelding, Rebecca Menzies
Won a Newcastle AW handicap in February (beat Zephlyn comfortably) but has disappointed since and was pulled up over hurdles last time. Can front-run, and is another returning from a break (34 days). Lame last time. Adjusted rating: 82 but inconsistent.

FLEUR DE MER (IRE) – 5yo mare, Martin Todhunter
Lightly raced since leaving Hugo Palmer. Not beaten far on return from an 11-month absence but never looked like winning. Best watched for now given fitness doubts and trip questions. Adjusted rating: unknown. Market check advised.


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Timeform & Trends Notes

Hot Trainer: Ewan Whillans (ZEPHLYN) remains in strong form and excels with stayers at northern tracks.

Course Record: Zephlyn (2 wins), Myboymax (C&D winner), Show No Fear (beat Zephlyn on AW).

Trainer Watch: No trainer has won this exact race in previous years, so no strong historical edge.

Pace Bias: Those racing prominently tend to fare better here; strong gallop might level things out this time.



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Runner Ratings (out of 10)

ZEPHLYN – 8/10

MYBOYMAX – 8/10

MY HARRISON GEORGE – 7/10

COSMIC SOUL – 7/10

MORANDI SECOND – 6/10 (watch market)

CORSICAN CAPER – 6/10 (hold-up type, backable if drift halts)

SHOW NO FEAR – 5/10 (fitness a question)

FLEUR DE MER – 4/10 (long layoff to overcome)



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Each-Way Angles (8 runners)

COSMIC SOUL has scope to improve second time back and may be suited by pace.
MYBOYMAX is well treated and ran with promise last time.


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Private Tissue (100%)

Zephlyn – 7/2

Myboymax – 4/1

My Harrison George – 5/1

Cosmic Soul – 6/1

Morandi Second – 7/1

Corsican Caper – 8/1

Show No Fear – 12/1

Fleur De Mer – 25/1



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Summary

This looks competitive for the grade with a few in-form stayers lining up. Zephlyn is the solid option having proven himself over C&D, but Myboymax appeals as a likely improver from a good mark. Cosmic Soul is unexposed at staying trips and shaped well here last time. Keep a close eye on market support for Morandi Second, who returns from a 110-day layoff but was impressive in this scenario last term. Pace should suit the closers, which gives the hold-up runners more of a chance than usual at Catterick.