Catterick Placepot picks: Richard Birch reveals his fancies for the jumps card

Burnage Boy and Coup De Gold both catch the eye in the amateur jockeys’ handicap hurdle (12.15), the opening leg of the Catterick Placepot.

The former is expected to show improved form now stepped up in trip after two placed efforts at Sedgefield, while the consistent Coup De Gold is a course-and-distance winner who remains on a fair mark.

A mere reproduction of Brorson’s Cheltenham second to Top Bandit in October should see him safely home in the novice hurdle (12.45), while Spot On Soph should take some beating off a low weight in the novice handicap chase (1.15).

Krypton Gold arguably sets the standard in the juvenile hurdle (1.45) based on his Leicester second to Parliament Hill last month.

Inca Prince, who shaped with promise in three races over hurdles in Ireland during the autumn, is also worthy of inclusion on his first start for Ruth Jefferson.

It will be a surprise if Vee Dancer fails to complete a quick-fire hat-trick in the staying handicap hurdle (2.15), while Relkadam can build on an encouraging Market Rasen reappearance to land the handicap chase (2.45).

Last year’s winner Out On The Tear provides solid back-up.

Catterick Placepot perm

12.15
7 Coup De Gold
12 Burnage Boy

12.45
4 Brorson

1.15
10 Spot On Soph

1.45
1 Inca Prince
5 Krypton Gold

2.15
7 Vee Dancer

2.45
3 Out On The Tear
5 Relkadam

2x1x1x2x1x2 = 8 lines

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