Almond Branches set to follow up at Catterick

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:01 25.07.2012

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Almond Branches proved a revelation here last week and can follow up in the Skybet Supporting The Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Handicap at 3.30.

George Moore's filly had struggled to recapture her best after suffering an injury when last seen out in 2011 but bounced back in some style here seven days ago, storming clear from the furlong pole over course and distance. She beat a reliable yardstick Blue Shoes five lengths there on the soft ground, and seems equally effective on the faster conditions that seem likely this afternoon. Frankie McDonald is in the saddle again and the 3-y-o can defy a penalty.

Main danger for the £6300 prize money comes from Nomoreblondes. Paul Midgeley's veteran 8-y-o has been in the best form of his career this season, winning twice at this venue in game style. However, he has been off for 61 days since that last win and is now much higher in the weights in this better race.

Bottomweight Mey Blossom is worth a check in the market after 264 days on the sidelines. Richard Whitaker's mare has to snap a losing run stretching back to August 2010 and rather lost her way last season, managing only a solitary placed effort at Wolverhampton. As a result she has become dangerously well treated, and the fast ground used to be ideal when she was winning from higher ratings in the past.

The frustrating Jamesway has joined the in-form Ruth Carr yard after failing to deliver for Richard Fahey. The 4-y-o looked a surefire future winner when suffering trouble in running at Epsom on his first two runs this season, (finished strongly after a repeatedly having his run checked), but has regressed since and needs a stable switch to revitalise his fortunes.

Lost in Paris has winning form at this speed track a few years ago and could well blaze the trail if ridden positively from the gate. He is another who has rather lost his way but the form of the Tim Easterby yard is excellent and a bold show would be no surprise if the cash arrived later on.

Topweight Master Rooney seems a shadow of his former self and needs help from the assesor, while Wicked Wilma has struggled in much easier races than this and has only a good draw in stall one to recommend her on this occasion.

In summary, a competitive sprint where a strong pace seems assured. Almond Branches looked a progressive filly to follow here last time and can swoop late as the trailblazers tire. At around 2-1 this morning she is worth supporting to defy a penalty.

Stephen's Wednesday Nap Chant 2.30 Catterick

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