Dr Irv (16:00 Catterick) wasn't quite seen to best effect in competitive big-field York handicaps earlier this year but caught the eye nevertheless, and, having eased in the weight/dropped in grade was rather unfortunate to bump in to a resurgent Mick Easterby inmate over C&D seven ays ago. However Phil Kirby's charge was comfortably clear of the remainder that day, and, given his form blossomed around this time last year (won this corresponding race from 1 lb higher mark) there are valid reasons to believe this strong-travelling sort can make a bold bid.
John Quinn has his string in pretty good order at present and he looks to have found a good opportunity for Makin The Rulesin the 17:30 at Catterick. The son of Lawman landed a Carlisle maiden last August and looked one to keep on side when runner-up in hot nurseries at York and Ayr towards the back end of last year. He ran right up to the pick of his juvenile form when third at Ripon last month, and, whilst his latest Pontefract defeat could on first glance be construed as an opportunity missed, it is worth noting his conqueror that day, Foxy Clarets, has scored again subsequently. Given the assessor has chosen to drop him a further 1 lb in the weights, in what appears essentially the weakest contest he has faced, it will be rather disappointing if Makin The Rules cannot take full advantage.
We head south and to Kempton's evening meeting for the third and final of today's Smartplays and, in a race seemingly bringing together experience and youth we think Dutch Interior (21:20) looks worth siding with to confirm the promise of his rather unfortunate Ffos Las third now returning to polytrack. For all he is bred to stay further Gary Moore's charge hasn't looked comfortable in a couple of tries at seven furlongs, with his best efforts to date coming around this trip. He shaped like the best horse at the weights when conceding first run at aforementioned Ffos Las nine days ago, and given he landed his maiden here last year rates the type who could just improve now with a couple of spins under his belt this term returning to what could prove to be his optimum conditions.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Dr Irv @ 3.185/40 in the 16:00 Catterick
Back Makin The Rules @ 2.166/5 in the 17:30 Catterick
Back Dutch Interior @ 7.613/2 in the 21:20 Kempton
