She is improving rapidly - can Will Victory complete a hat-trick?

Hat-trick seekers dominate the market in this competitive handicap hurdle as Will Victory and Happy And Fine both come into the race attempting to follow up back-to-back wins.

Will Victory's two wins have come from just three runs for the Harry Fry yard and she isn't far away from the best form she showed for her previous trainer Richard Newland. She has gone up 4lb for her latest win to a mark of 123, but was rated a peak 132 for her former yard.

She is just a seven-year-old and could still be a step ahead of the handicapper if she can return to her best. There looks every chance she can do so and complete the three-timer here.

Happy And Fine doesn't have the back-class that Will Victory possesses, but she is improving rapidly and her solid record at Catterick should stand her in good stead.

The lightly raced six-year-old has recorded a win and a third from her two starts over course and distance and her victory here came just last month. She has gone up 8lb in the weights, but achieved the her best Topspeed figure (112) in the race and is still progressing.

Hajey was second behind Happy And Fine over course and distance last time and has a 5lb pull in the weights for a three and three-quarter-length margin. He might be of interest to forecast players given he shouldn't be too far behind Happy And Fine if that form proves to be key.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Alnadam
We're going back over hurdles to see if it can spark the flame again within him. He's been going well at home and likes a bit of soft ground. We're not on a recovery mission as such but just trying something different.

Harry Fry, trainer of Will Victory
She's done well winning two mares-only races this winter and she's racing up north again as her owners live up there. It will be interesting to see how she gets on back against the boys and Ben Bromley takes off a handy 7lb, which will help.

Alex Hales, trainer of Happy And Fine
He's done well this season and it made sense to go back to this track after his win there last time, although he has gone up 8lb as a result. He's fresh, it's a step up in grade but we're looking forward to it.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Collooney
He's been very disappointing but there were some signs of a revival over hurdles last time. He needs to turn another corner if he is to get back to winning ways.

Henry Daly, trainer of The Wrekin
He's missed a couple of comeback opportunities lately due to the ground or the meetings being off, so it will be nice to finally get him back on track. I'm not sure he wants soft ground hence we've dropped him in trip and hopefully he can run well in what looks a competitive race.

Tracy Waggott, trainer of Hajey
He's run well there the last twice, firstly when he unseated Tom Midgley at the final flight when in contention and last time when he ran into a well-handicapped horse. He likes sharp tracks like Catterick as he likes to be on the pace.
Reporting by David Milnes

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