Timeform preview a competitive handicap chase at Catterick on Thursday and give their expert tips on the 2.15.
You can watch all the action at Catterick on Thursday live streaming online on Betfair TV.
Heez A Steel is not always the most fluent of jumpers but thorough stayer (fifth in Scottish National last term) and not impossibly handicapped. Yet to complete in 2 runs this winter, though.
Pegasus Prince improved for this yard, winning handicap hurdles at Uttoxeter and Market Rasen early last year. Off mark at second time of asking over fences at Sedgefield last month and may have more to come.
Cool Mission can race lazily, but did better once fitted with cheekpieces in second half of 2010/11, including win in 25f maiden at Ayr. Yet to fire this season but extreme test might help.
Shaking Hands won at Warwick (3¼m) just under a year ago, and good placed efforts up to 4m on both starts this term. Jumping sometimes a bit errant but this thorough stayer looks sure to go well again.
Whats Up Woody bettered winning hurdling form when landing a 2½m handicap chase at Carlisle for Howard Johnson in March, but quickly beat a retreat on return for new yard last month and this not much easier.
Star Beat overcame a slipping saddle to score at Kelso in October, but disappointed since and attitude now under suspicion. Third off 2 lb lower mark in this race last year but trip does stretch him.
Dystonia's Revenge was a surprise winner of a 21f Cartmel hunter in May and most fortunate when adding to that in 3-finisher event over 25f here last time. Will be suited by the trip but still opposable in stronger race.
Hennessy shaped well on first start since winning 2009 Gold Cup Chase at Sandown when fifth at Kelso (25f) for new yard in October, but well held all starts since. Handicapper relenting but risky proposition.
Cerium is a smart chaser in his pomp. Lightly raced these days but showed he retains some ability when sixth at Warwick last time. Might be able to win a small race but this looks too competitive.
Apache Blue made good strides in 2011, winning 3 times over fences (here the last twice) and step up in trip could help offset latest rise. Leading contender at the right end of the weights.
Dermatologiste was hit and miss over fences in 2009/10. More straightforward when landing 3 points in 2011 and step up in trip brought about plenty of improvement at Bangor last time. May do better still.
Posh Bird made the frame for seventh time over fences when fourth at Market Rasen for new yard in November. Still to win a race over fences, though, and this is a tough race to shed that maiden status.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Apache Blue
2. Shaking Hands
3. Dermatologiste
Timeform Verdict: The progressive Apache Blue will be well suited by this marathon trip and is taken to see off southern raiders Shaking Hands and Dermatologiste.
