Perth first, where the Elliott-first method looks best followed in the 14:40. Pumped Up Kicks has apparently been lined up for something like this, given a break from Rules racing since a fairly modest first summer as a handicap hurdler. She's been in action in points since, however, recording a victory on her most recent start in May. It should be pointed out that she strictly has to step up on that form to master even a BHA mark of 99, though this ordinary race of its type presents Pumped Up Kicks with a fair chance of doing so. It seems no accident, either, that Elliott has held back Pumped Up Kick's return to the racecourse until she can run on the firmer ground of high summer and, let's not forget, the track with which he has such a strong attachment.
We stick to Catterick hereafter, starting with their 15:30. It's a weak race all things considered, with only two rated above 52 by the BHA. It therefore wouldn't take a great deal of improvement on Patavium's last run for this veteran to get back among the winners. He was rated 72 when he last won on the Flat a little less than three years ago, which reflects his slide, though signs of recovery at Ripon last time and his teaming up with a 7-lb claimer from an already low mark of 47 makes him interesting here. The two in the race rated above 60, Dabuki and Rockabilly Riot, are the likeliest dangers, though neither presents more trouble than you'd expect in a race of this nature.
Little Shambles has come for some early support in the 16:00, which is somewhat concerning given her unexposed profile, though it's usually the late money that speaks loudest where Johnston horses are concerned and so we're still happy with Hard Core Debt as our selection. It can't be denied that he comes with his own risks, liable to sulking and arguably not the heartiest of battlers, though there's a case for saying that perhaps it's this sort of trip, on this sort of ground, that he's been in need of all along. It's certainly the case that he looked more willing than usual under similar conditions to this at Redcar last time. From a reduced mark, Hard Core Debt is evidently well treated and should he have held his form since his last run he'll provide a stiff challenge for Little Shambles no matter which direction that one goes in.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Pumped Up Kicks @ 5.24/1 in the 14:40 Perth
Back Patavium @ 5.79/2 in the 15:30 Catterick
Back Hard Core Debt @ 4.67/2 in the 16:00 Catterick
