Race of the Day on Sky Sports Racing: Mike Cattermole hoping to end year on a high with Kerry Lee runner at Uttoxeter | Racing News

Sky Sports Racing’s Mike Cattermole will be hoping to end 2022 with a win at the Race of the Day in Uttoxeter on Saturday.

That In Memory of June Taylor Handicap Hurdle (1.43) at Uttoxeter on Saturday is a Class 3 two and a half mile event which originally attracted 13 declarations for its £21,000+ pot, although Go Dante failed poorly and has now been withdrawn.

The remaining dozen will require a bit of thought, and it’s no surprise that the market is suggesting it’s pretty wide open. A superb race indeed.

THE COMPETITORS

nickels back

Freerunner who shot up an absolute 30 lengths on soft ground at Fontwell in October 2021. After that, however, he was absent for 406 days and returned to Cheltenham last month when he created a huge advantage in a stage, only to tire and finish well-held.

Tried next time at Huntingdon in a bonnet (kept here) when he fell back two miles and was weakened in the closing stages. Has lost 4 pounds since returning but needs to settle down a bit to reach his potential.

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Started his career in France and won deep ground in Dieppe.

His seconds at both Wetherby and Doncaster earlier in the year were respectable runs and clearly expected having started as a favorite on both occasions. But he’s since gone, undergoing wind surgery.

If that helped then he could well become a great player and more rain wouldn’t hurt him.

King Keeper

Part of a Gigginstown eviction in Goffs in September when he was picked up by the ever-smart Kerry Lee from Henry De Bromhead for £21,000. Had won a first hurdles at Wexford in June but stalled on his pursuit debut, likely leading to his exit.

He did very well on his British debut at the same course and distance, falling by a neckshot after a four-month break to in-form Punctuation, who has since won again at Cheltenham. The pair went nine lengths ahead of the others and the step up in the trip certainly suited him.

Now 4 pounds up but Angus Cheleda loses 5 pounds. Even if it gets just a little bit better, it looks like he’ll be there, especially since more rain will do him good. Big player.

Hermes boy

Won in Exeter last December and was beaten tie twice earlier this year. So maybe proceed with a little caution as he doesn’t look straight (may hang).

However, last time he tackled a Class 2 event at Sandown over two miles and seemed to have real trouble getting close to penultimate only to keep pocketing the first-time cheek pieces (kept here) to get behind the smart Love Envoi to be fourth.

The bottom should be right and he has an each-way shot.

Can you call

Hunted at the turn of the year and won on Catterick in February in front of this same brand.

He returned to Taunton after nine months and was again over hurdles as he put up a decent run in a loss, beaten a length by American Sniper, the two finishing 25 lengths from nearest home.

The floor will fit and it needs serious consideration.

Mr Who

Put in a fighting display at Lingfield (Soft) in November to defeat Jubilee Express in the last winner of his court (although it’s been fairly quiet since).

A direct line to Jubilee Express suggests a tough question against Hermes Boy, but it’s understated and likely has more to offer.

Blue Stello

Viewed by his legendary trainer as an up and coming chaser and after finishing second on his point, he made his rules debut after a year out to win in Warwick in November 2021. He finished very strong with a narrow loss but won the race after a steward. Investigation for being pushed near home.

Paused for over a year but is clearly full of potential from a top yard and looks to be the favourite.

ballycross

Veteran formerly with Nicky Henderson – and once quite useful – but making his debut for new connections but with a record two wins from 35 starts. First hurdles in a little over three years and amateur partner is without a win after 11 rides. Just disagree.

Latino fling

Improving mare who has been mostly on good ground this year with five wins including course and distance in July. Has also shown versatility over distances of two to almost three miles.

She has been out since taking place at Kelso in September and has yet to find a little more despite having earlier form on soft.

Risk D’Argent

Leader and consistent bloke who finished second at Wetherby after an eight month break and looks set to fight for that. Handles bottom but the step up in the ride is an easy question as it has been held well having attempted something similar before.

Maclaine

Another unremarkable bloke who joined Fontwell in November after a 10-month hiatus, although he headed straight for the grandstand rails in the closing stages.

Form received a boost when fourth, Alexandra Romanov, won back earlier this month at the same distance.

The stable has been quiet lately, but there was more to come in this kind of company.

RobRoyal

Trained locally but has been knocked out since October 2020 when he easily won at Kelso at just 2lbs less than today’s mark. He is talented and has a good trip but was a points winner. Go up to 11 now.

THE JUDGMENT

Lots of possibilities with several light-blooded types in the mix, like Mister Who, Blue Stello and Maclaine.

But perhaps the most solid option KINGS GUARDIANS who did a terrific first race for Kerry Lee here last month and that form has been improved.

Can You Call is somewhat disabled and is classified as dangerous while Hermes Boy looks enigmatic but could go ahead and grab some prize money. Message personnel is also respected when the wind op worked.

Good luck and a happy new year!