Progressive Katebird to relish longer trip

Katebird has done most of her racing over sprint trips but appears to have improved since switched to longer distances and, at this late stage of the season, progressive form can make all the difference in nurseries of this type.

Mark Johnston's grey went up a furlong and a half in trip at Nottingham last week and made short work of the opposition, bolting up by a length and three-quarters. She has to shoulder a 6lb penalty, but was strong at the finish that day and looks open to further progress now upped to 1m2f for the first time.

She has landed a good draw towards the inside in stall two and the return to the all-weather looks in her favour as she was fully effective on the surface before her turf victory. This is a competitive nursery and she rates a solid back-up to the paper tip.