Polytrack no problem to improving stayer

Jacquard (each-way) 3.20 Catterick
Mark Johnston has saddled seven winners from just 21 runners at Catterick this term and handicap debutant Jacquard could provide the in-form Middleham handler with further success.

Jacquard has not been seen since tailing off at Doncaster on his final start as a two-year-old, but his juvenile form prior to that reads well and he could turn out to be much better than a mark of 87 in time.

The scopey son of Pivotal gave the 78-rated The Stalking Moon 12lb when making all to beat him over 6f on his only visit to this track and PJ McDonald should not have too many problems getting a prominent position from stall nine.

Plenty has to be taken on trust after a 357-day layoff, but Johnston's runners rarely lack fitness.

Fire Leopard4.50 Catterick
Fire Leopard bombed out last time when attempting to follow up an easy success five days earlier, but that race may have came too soon and she looks well worth another chance.

David O'Meara's filly bolted up over this trip at Ripon, travelling strongly before pulling six lengths clear of runner-up Theglasgowwarrior, and she hinted that she could be on an upward curve.

The return to the same North Yorkshire venue yielded a disappointing effort – she did not travel with the same authority – but that run was far too bad to be true and she may still have plenty to offer off a mark of 75.

The Mark Johnston-trained pair Mambo Dancer and Voski should ensure a decent gallop between them and the smooth-travelling Fire Leopard can swoop late to pick them up.

Mudallel 6.25 Kempton
Mudallel was a decisive winner over course and distance a fortnight ago and Ed Dunlop's improving three-year-old should cope with an 8lb rise.

A combination of a gelding operation and a step up to a mile worked the trick last time out and the manner of his victory was impressive.

James Doyle, who retains the ride, switched him out early and, despite still sitting last two furlongs out, he displayed a devastating turn of foot to run out a ready three-length victor.

Mudallel split the 86-rated Via Serendipity and 98-rated Century Dream as a juvenile and there could be plenty more to come on just his third handicap start off 78.

Waterville Dancer 8.25 Kempton
Waterville Dancer is creeping up the weights, but he is a consistent sort and the step up to 2m could unlock further potential.

The son of Nathaniel was an excellent second off 3lb lower at Chepstow two starts back when gifting the winner Moabit an easy lead, but that was over 1m6f and stamina looks his strong suit.

Richard Hughes' charge has finished out of the first three just once from six starts and, although beaten at 6-4 in maiden company on his latest appearance, he pulled 16 lengths clear of the 77-rated Steaming back in third so the form may not be decent.

The switch to Polytrack isn't a concern – he has been placed at Wolverhampton and Lingfield – and, with no obvious pace in the race, Shane Kelly may take it upon himself to dictate from the front.

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