Horse Racing Tips: Hammond poised to unveil his Catterick masterpiece

Perth, 14.10 - Back King Roly @ 4/15.00

The turn of the year brought a barren spell for trainer Micky Bowen as his stable went more than 50 runners before adding to the January 8th success of Pour Les Filles at Ffos Las.

Thankfully, an overdue success for Stratagem at the beginning of this month and more latterly Holokea's smooth Haydock victory have signalled that the Welsh operation is in much better form at present and King Roly could be one to catch fresh on his return to the track following a sizeable absence in this Class 3 affair.

The seven-year-old boasts course figures of 12121 at the Scottish track and two of his best three career performances have come at today's venue so he could well have been primed to make an impact on a handicap which looks within his remit.

At the time of writing, Wolfburg could make a swift reappearance following his hard fought Kelso success on Monday, while Barlovento should enjoy the drop in grade.

However, King Roly is trusted to post a big showing on his comeback and a prominent performance might just see him make a rapid return to the track as he also holds two entries on Thursday.

Catterick, 17.00 - Back Stellarmasterpiece @ 10/34.33

With 13 of her 19 career starts taking place at Catterick, there is an argument for suggesting Stellarmasterpiece knows the place better than the clerk of the course.

It is fair to say Micky Hammond's mare has looked a lot more comfortable without obstacles around the north Yorkshire venue, winning four of her 10 track starts as well as being placed three times, a record which represents excellent consistency for a six-year-old rated in the mid 60s on the flat.

The selection returned a fortnight ago from an 11-week break to shape with promise and ran in keeping with her profile which historically suggests she is a better horse with a recent run behind her.

Her four career successes have come following absences of 11, 19, 33 and 43 days from the track, so that recent spin behind Free Pic, who reopposes here, should have done her the world of good and I would be surprised if stretching out in trip by a couple of furlongs doesn't markedly narrow the four-length deficit she needs to find with her conqueror from a fortnight ago.

Now read more horse racing columns here