Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday January 9

It's a two-mile handicap chase for novices' under consideration first (13:35) and Alderbrook Lad is likely to be popular after his win here last week. However preference goes to Suprise Vendor, who before tipping up at this course on his most recent outing was on a hat-trick attempt after wins at Hexham and Bangor. He goes in the conditions, which are likely to be extremely testing, and with AP McCoy booked in the saddle for the first time, it would be no surprise (apologies) to see him put his fall behind him and regain the winning thread. 

It's the feature race of the day up next and the North Yorkshire Grand National (14:35) should go the way of the progressive Merlins Wish. He built on a facile Hexham success with victory in the Lincolnshire National on Boxing Day, with the only slight concern being whether the gap between the two races is too short. However handler Martin Keighley has him in the form of his life at present, and if the Aintree aspirations held by connections are to seem a possibility, he should really win here. Dangers come thick and fast as they always do in these contests, and last year's winner Chac du Cadran shouldn't be ignored if allowed his own way up front. 

Our last bet of the day comes in the concluding handicap hurdle (15:05) where Summerlea looks to have an excellent opportunity to gain compensation for his C&D second here last time out. He ran into an unexposed contender in Sue Smith's Grate Fella that day, but it was nevertheless an improved performance from his seasonal reappearance and he appeared to relish the step up to today's trip. Provided he comes on again from that run he remains fairly weighted and a bold bid is expected. Knight Valliant has fallen back to a winning mark and is one to be wary of, as is Welsh Bard if the money comes in. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Catterick

Back Suprise Vendor @ 4.216/5 in the 13:35
Back Merlins Wish @ 3.711/4 in the 14:35
Back Summerlea @ 4.216/5 in the 15:05

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