Sky Sports Racing’s Mike Cattermole will be hoping to end 2022 with a win at the Race of the Day at Uttoxeter on Saturday.
That In Memory of June Taylor Handicap Hurdle (1.43) at Uttoxeter on Saturday is a two and a half mile Class 3 event which originally attracted 13 bids for its £21,000+ pot, though Go Dante backfired badly and has now been withdrawn.
The remaining dozen will require some thought, and unsurprisingly, the market is suggesting that it is quite open. Truly a superb race.
THE COMPETITORS
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Freerunner who achieved 30 lengths overall on soft ground at Fontwell in October 2021. After that however he was out for 406 days and returned to Cheltenham last month when he built up a huge lead in one stage, only to tire and finish with good sealing.
Tried next at Huntingdon with a bonnet (kept here) when it fell back two miles and was weakened in the closing stages. He has lost 4 pounds since he got back, but needs to calm down a bit to reach his potential.
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He began his career in France and won ground at Dieppe.
His seconds at both Wetherby and Doncaster earlier in the year were respectable runs and he clearly expected to be started favorite on both occasions. But he’s been gone since then, undergoing wind surgery.
If that helps, then he could very well become a great player and more rain wouldn’t hurt him.
Guardian King
Part of a Gigginstown eviction of Goffs in September when he was picked up by the ever-clever Kerry Lee by Henry De Bromhead for £21,000. He had won a first hurdle at Wexford in June but stalled on his debut in the pursuit, probably leading to his exit.
He did very well on his British debut over the same course and distance, going down with a blow to the neck after a four-month break against in-form punctuation, who have since won again at Cheltenham. The pair went nine lengths ahead of the others and the step forward in the journey certainly suited them.
Now 4lbs up but Angus Cheleda loses 5lbs. Even if he’s only going to be a little bit better, it looks like he’s going to be there, especially since more rain will be good for him. Great player.
Hermes boy
He won at Exeter last December and was beaten twice earlier this year. So maybe proceed with a little caution as he doesn’t look straight (he might get stuck).
However, he last tackled a Class 2 event at Sandown over two miles and looked to be having serious trouble getting close to second to last only to keep pocketing first time cheek pieces (preserved here) to get behind the smart Love Envoi for being fourth.
The back should be on the right and have a shot to both sides.
you can call
Hunted at the turn of the year and won on Catterick in February ahead of this same brand.
He returned to Taunton after nine months and was over the hurdles again as he put up a decent run in a defeat, beaten a length by American Sniper, the pair finished 25 lengths from the nearest home.
The flooring will adjust and needs some serious consideration.
Mister Who
He staged a fight show at Lingfield (Soft) in November to defeat Jubilee Express in his court’s latest winner (although he’s been pretty quiet since then).
A direct line to Jubilee Express suggests a tough question against Hermes Boy, but it’s underrated and probably has more to offer.
Blue Star
Seen by his legendary trainer as an up-and-coming chaser and after finishing second to his point, he made his rules debut after a year off to win at Warwick in November 2021. He finished very strongly with a narrow loss but won the race after a steward. Investigations for being pushed close to home.
On hiatus for over a year but is clearly full of potential from a top yard and looks to be a firm favourite.
Ballycross
Veteran previously with Nicky Henderson – and once quite useful – but debuting for new connections but with a record of two wins from 35 starts. First hurdles in just over three years and the amateur partner doesn’t win after 11 races. To disagree.
Latin-Fling
Improving mare who has been mostly on good ground this year with five course and distance wins in July. He has also shown versatility over distances of two to nearly three miles.
She has been out since taking place at Kelso in September and has yet to find more despite having previous form on soft.
Silver Risk
Leader and consistent youngster who finished second at Wetherby after an eight month break and looks ready to fight for it. He manages the bottom but the step forward in the race is an easy question as he has been held up well having attempted something similar before.
Maclaine
Another unremarkable lad who joined Fontwell in November after a 10-month break, although he headed straight for the grandstand tracks in the closing stages.
Form received a boost when fourth, Alexandra Romanov, won earlier this month by the same distance.
The stable has been quiet lately, but there was more to come in this type of company.
Rob Real
He has been training locally but has been out since October 2020 when he won easily in Kelso at just 2lbs off today’s mark. He is talented and has a good trip but has won points. Go up to 11 now.
THE JUDGMENT
Lots of possibilities with several light blood types in the mix, such as Mister Who, Blue Stello and Maclaine.
But perhaps the most solid option GUARDIAN KINGS who had a fantastic first race for Kerry Lee here last month and that form has been improved.
Can You Call is somewhat disabled and classified as dangerous while Hermes Boy looks enigmatic but could go ahead and get a cash prize. Even the personal message is respected when the wind operation worked.
Good luck and a happy new year!
