Pace & Draw Angles

This shapes as a strongly run 5f sprint, with confirmed trailblazers in Birkenhead, Betweenthesticks, Irish Dancer, and Jamie’s Choice – all of whom like to go forward. Catterick is a sharp speed-favouring track where pace often holds, especially from low/mid draws. Draw bias here tends to favour low to middle stalls, especially on good or faster ground. Stall 1 (Betweenthesticks) and stall 2 (Another Baar) look optimal.

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Strongest Contenders, Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

Irish Dancer – Progressive & Fit
Thriving this summer, winning 3 of his last 6 starts including a C&D win, all since the tongue-tie was applied. Handles quick ground, races on the speed, and is tactically versatile. Solid draw in stall 5. May still have a little up his sleeve off 59. Proven & progressive.

Another Baar – Proven & Consistent
Just touched off by Betweenthesticks last time at Pontefract. Races prominently, has held his form well, and draws well in stall 2. Has multiple RPRs around 78–90 at 5f and looks fairly treated off 69. Proven & dependable.

Cheerleader – Promising Filly on the Up
Rapidly progressive 3yo filly from an unfashionable yard. Took time to come to hand but has form figures of 112 from her last three starts. RPRs in the mid-70s suggest she’s not done improving yet. Up in class, but lightly raced. Promising.

Birkenhead – C&D Specialist & Pace Angle
Four-time C&D winner who showed he retains ability when winning here in April. Still competitive off current mark and drawn to attack from stall 3. Needs to dictate but will give his running. Proven but exposed.

Betweenthesticks – Resurgent but Unreliable
Bounced back to form last time when narrowly beating Another Baar. Good draw and likes the track. However, has struggled for consistency this year and might find it harder to follow up under a penalty. Capable but inconsistent.

Our Absent Friends – Useful on His Day
Mixes hurdling and sprint handicaps. Recent Musselburgh third was fair, but hasn’t shown a lot at Catterick. Often shapes as if better with a bit of cut and may find things happening too quickly. Inconsistent.

Jamie’s Choice – Lowly Treated but Limited
Low mileage and decent recent effort behind Irish Dancer. Tends to find one or two too good and needs a very specific setup. Vulnerable again. Exposed.

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Runner Scores and Suitability

• Irish Dancer – 8/10 – Thriving, handles trip/ground/track, ideal draw.
• Another Baar – 8/10 – In form, consistent, well-drawn and suited by setup.
• Cheerleader – 7/10 – Promising filly, lightly raced, but up in class.
• Birkenhead – 7/10 – C&D winner, reliable at the venue, but best when left alone.
• Betweenthesticks – 6/10 – Capable but has bounced between good and poor efforts.
• Our Absent Friends – 5/10 – Reasonable form but vulnerable at sharp 5f.
• Jamie’s Choice – 4/10 – Limited scope, poor strike rate, may place at best.
• Ready Freddie Go – 4/10 – Looks regressive, lacks early zip needed here.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.

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Each-Way Angles (10 Runners)

Plenty of each-way options with 10 declared. Cheerleader makes appeal as a 3yo still improving, and Birkenhead is always of interest at Catterick from the front.

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Private Tissue Estimate

• Irish Dancer – 7/2
• Another Baar – 4/1
• Cheerleader – 6/1
• Birkenhead – 13/2
• Betweenthesticks – 7/1
• Our Absent Friends – 10/1
• Jamie’s Choice – 12/1
• Ready Freddie Go – 14/1
• Others – 16/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This is a competitive sprint where early pace should be frenetic, and positioning will be key. Irish Dancer looks to have the ideal blend of current form, tactical speed, and proven suitability for the track. Another Baar is knocking hard on the door and comes from a yard in good form. Cheerleader, the unexposed 3yo, adds intrigue and should be monitored in the market.

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Smart Play

• Win Selection: Irish Dancer – progressive, solid form, and holds pace/positioning edge.
• Each-Way Saver: Cheerleader – unexposed and upwardly mobile filly, with track win to her name.