Middleham trainer George Moore branching out for second Catterick win (From Gazette & Herald)

Middleham trainer George Moore branching out for second Catterick win

9:53am Tuesday 24th July 2012 in Sport By Tom O'Ryan, Racing journalist

Almond Branches, a runaway winner at Catterick last week, returns to her local venue tomorrow in a bid to strike while the iron is hot.

Trained at Middleham by George Moore, the three-year-old bounced back to form with a five-length success here just a week ago and it is no surprise that Moore is keen to get her out again under a 6lb penalty before the handicapper reassesses her.

Almond Branches plainly likes Catterick. She broke her maiden on this course last season.

Tomorrow’s race looks a tougher one than last week’s event with the likes of Jamesway, having his first outing for Ruth Carr, among the opposition.

But Almond Branches may be on the start of a roll and she is fancied to oblige again in the Skybet Supporting The Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Handicap.

Norton trainer Brian Rothwell has done a great job on Tinseltown, who aims to add to his score in the Yorkshire Radio Apprentice Handicap.

The gelding, formerly trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, has taken time to find his feet, but he has won two hurdles and two Flat races in recent weeks for Rothwell.

His latest success came in the pro-am ladies’ race at Beverley last week. He has picked up a 6lb penalty for that victory, but promises to take all the beating all the same with the accomplished Jason Hart in the saddle.

The yorkshire.com Back Le Bid Claiming Stakes has attracted some speedy sorts, not least Foxy Music from the Eric Alston yard.

Although it is some time since he got his head in front, Foxy Music has run some solid races in defeat. This fast track should play to his strengths and with Graham Gibbons on board, he is expected to play a strong role.

John Quinn has his horses in fine form and the Highfield trainer can win the first division of the tyregiant.com Handicap with Sir Windsorlot.

The three-year-old took a step forward on his latest outing at Doncaster when finishing a close-up third to Duke Of Aricabeau. A similar effort tomorrow should put him bang in the firing line.

Norton trainer Linda Stubbs sends Megamunch to Sandown’s evening meeting and the speedy youngster has strong claims in the BNY Mellon Nursery.

A good second at Musselburgh on his debut, Megamunch went one better in workmanlike style at Ayr last time. He has been given a rating of 75 with which to begin his handicap career, and that looks fair. He is worthy of the nap vote.

Marco Botti, who had two winnners at Sandown on Sunday, is fancied to continue his good form with Strawberrymystique (5.50), while the ultra-consistent Choral Festival (8.05) also has strong claims.

 

Racing selections

Catterick (tomorrow) 
2.00 Grievous Angel, 2.30 Tricky Madam, 3.00 Charlie Em, 3.30 Almond Branches, 4.00 Sir Windsorlot, 4.30 Dotty Darroch, 5.00 Foxy Music, 5.30 Tinseltown.

Sandown (tomorrow)
5.50 Strawberrymystique, 6.20 Megamunch (NAP), 6.55 Tropical Song, 7.30 Stirring Ballad, 8.05 Choral Festival, 8.40 Callisto Moon.

Tomorrow’s other meetings:
Leicester, Lingfield and Worcester.

Today’s meetings:
Bangor, Ffos Las, Musselburgh, Southwell and Yarmouth.