'We'd expect him to run really nicely' - can Catch Him Derry bounce back for team Skelton in competitive handicap?

Olly Murphy has landed two of the last four runnings of this contest and is doubly represented this time around with What A Johnny and Itchy Feet.

Itchy Feet is feasibly treated from a mark of 139, having won from 138 twice in 2023, but he has a tough task on the back of a 342-day absence and appears to be the second-string on jockey bookings.

The progressive What A Johnny is arguably more interesting after a close third at Market Rasen last time. That run is worth upgrading to some extent, as he lost some momentum on the run-in when stumbling on the path, but the form hasn’t been done any favours by the winner or fourth, who have both been well held since. There could be more to come at staying trips for him this season, though, and he’s less exposed than most.

Henry Daly is in decent form, with four winners from his last 12 runners, and his representative, Strackan, has to be high on any shortlist in his hat-trick bid. This son of Blue Bresil seemed to relish the step back up in distance when eased down to win at Bangor 19 days ago and a 9lb rise could underestimate that performance.

It’s worth noting that the last couple of runnings have gone to prominent racers in similar-sized fields to this and Strackan is a potential pace angle in this line-up.

Idefix De Ciergues is another hat-trick seeker, but he’s 1lb wrong at the weights for this assignment and his very best form is on quicker ground than is likely.

Deep Cave came on for his yard debut when fifth on the Old course here at the November meeting and there’s a chance he may appreciate a return to a softer surface.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

'He goes there with every chance' - Owen out to start new year with a bang

One Big Bang is a fitting runner for James Owen on the first day of 2025 as the trainer made a significant impact during his first full year in 2024 on the Flat and over jumps.

On the Flat, Royal Lodge Stakes winner Wimbledon Hawkeye led the way, while Burdett Road and East India Dock have been excelling over jumps for the Owen team.

One Big Bang has done his part too, with two wins and two seconds since joining the yard. Most recently, he was second in a Grade 3 hurdle at Haydock, and Owen is optimistic of another good performance.

“He’s done very well since we’ve had him, and I thought it was a good run at Haydock last time in extreme conditions,” Owen said. “He goes there with every chance, and any more rain wouldn’t hurt either. We’ve got Harry Cobden to ride too, which is great for us.”

What they say

Ben Pauling, trainer of Twig
I meant to declare for this race, but I also ended up declaring him in the Relkeel. He runs here and seems in good order. It's the right type of race for him. He's getting on, but we're trying to protect his chase mark for the Grand National and pick up some prize-money on the way. He hated the ground at Haydock, which was funny because he handled it in the Ultima. We'll see how much rain we get, but if it goes soft or heavy we might not run.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Itchy Feet and What A Johnny
Itchy Feet returns from a layoff and is in good form. He has an each-way chance if he’s at his best, but he will come forward for the run. What A Johnny looks to be improving. Hopefully having the tongue-tie on will help him. He stays very well.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Catch Him Derry
I don't know why he ran like he did the last day, as we fancied him for that race. Softer ground around here should be fine, and it's not a huge field, which should be fine as well. We'd expect him to run really nicely.

Henry Daly, trainer of Strackan
I wouldn’t mind at all if it rained a good bit for him, and the distance holds no fears for him either. He’s developing into a nice horse, it’s just a case of how good he is now.
Reporting by Peter Scargill

Read the rest of Saturday's previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: Broadway Boy out to give excellent Coral Gold Cup another boost in competitive handicap chase

2.05 Cheltenham: Gemirande bids for another big Cheltenham handicap for hot team of Charlie Deutsch and Venetia Williams

No sign of the regulars, so who will challenge Gemirande in the New Year's Day feature handicap at Cheltenham?

2.15 Tramore: Acid test of Gold Cup credentials for returning Monty's Star in Grade 3 at Tramore

2.20 Musselburgh: Is Corrigeen Rock primed to win a race that punches above its weight?

3.15 Cheltenham: Red-hot Relkeel to help decide Golden Ace's Cheltenham Festival target - but the market only wants to know one runner

Golden beginning? New Year Ace who had Brighterdays behind her aims to get 2025 off to a flyer