It's welcome back to Catterick tomorrow when the North Yorkshire course will resume its 2004 campaign after closing down for three months in order that a new stable yard could be constucted.
To celebrate the re-opening, racegoers will receive a voucher for a racecard, a free Tote bet, 50 per cent off a future Catterick meeting, and entry into a prize draw to take place during the afternoon to win a television. When they arrive all racegoers will be offered a free glass of Bucks Fizz.
Hopefully, there will be more bubbly drunk by the connections of Malahide Express after the Project Management Scotland Catterick Handicap, a race named after the company which built the new stable-yard.
Trained by Eric Alston, Malahide Express got home in a gripping finish at Hamilton on his latest start to gain a deserved victory after a series of creditable efforts in defeat. James O'Reilly, in the saddle at Hamilton, again has the mount.
Preston-based Alston also has good prospects with Flying Edge of winning the Derby House Stabling Handicap, a contest named to acknowledge the designers of the new stable block.
Flying Edge has been plying his trade over shorter distances and has been running respectably, though without being able to get his head in front.
Not beaten far when sixth to Silver Mascot at Carlisle last time, Flying Edge will appreciate this extra furlong. Malton jockey David Allan has the mount on the nap selection.
Richard Fahey, who saddled a 10-1 winner and two beaten favourites at Pontefract yesterday, can land the 'We Race Again Next Wednesday' Maiden Stakes with Flying Bantam.
Tony Hamilton's mount has finished runner-up in similar events three times this season. His winning turn can surely not be delayed much longer.
Little Task should not be overlooked in the Stockton Handicap over a mile and a half.
John Wainwright's gelding has been running particularly well in recent weeks and was successful at Musselburgh on his latest start.
Despite having to carry a penalty tomorrow, Little Task promises to take plenty of beating.
Ryedale trainer Nigel Tinkler heads further afield tomorrow with Tre Colline, who turns out at Lingfield in the Formost Fabrications Summer Classified Stakes.
The five-year-old is in excellent heart, having won two of his last three starts. He could well oblige again here, with George Baker, his regular rider, in the saddle.
Wednesday's tips:
Catterick
2.30 Dan's Heir, 3.00 Malahide Express, 3.30 Bibury Flyer, 4.00 Flying Edge (Nap), 4.30 Flying Bantam, 5.00 Little Task.
Lingfield
2.10 Connotation, 2.40 Tre Colline, 3.10 Tag Team, 3.40 Bubbling Fun, 4.10 Safirah, 4.40 Mister Clinton,
Tomorrow's other meetings are at Kempton (evening, Flat), Perth (afternoon, Nahtional Hunt) and Yarmouth (evening, Flat).
Updated: 12:22 Tuesday, June 29, 2004
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