Caterrick and Wincanton tips: One Track Mind and Barney Dwan among best bets

One Track Mind disappointed on chase debut, but looks worth another chance to show that running to be all wrong in the 3m 1f beginners’ chase (13:20).

The Warren Greatex trained six-year-old has always been held in high regard and developed into a top class staying hurdler last season.

After landing a competitive handicap at Newbury, the Andy Weller owned gelding ran a stormer to be beaten just 3/4 of a length by multiple Grade 1 winner Reve De Silvola in a Grade 2 contest at Haydock.

One Track Mind went on to round off the campaign with a career-best performance at the Punchestown Festival when staying on in tremendous style to beat Jennies Jewel by 2 3/4 lengths in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle.

Judged on that success, he had the potential to win plenty of top races over hurdles this season, but connections have always maintained that his future lies over fences.

One Track Mind has the size and scope to make up into a cracking chaser and. although a well-beaten last of five at Newbury on return to action over the larger obstacles, he seemed to lose all confidence after a bad blunder at the first and is sure to have been well schooled since.

Catterick tips for December 13

12.20: Cape Hideaway (NAP)
12.50: Nietzsche
13.20: One Track Mind (NB)
13.50: Ckalco Des Loges
14.20: Bankhall
14.50: Discoverie
15.20: Boagrius

Compensation awaits at Wincanton for Barney Dwan bets

Barney Dwan looked a desperately unlucky loser last time out, so can gain compensation by landing 2m 4f beginners’ chase the on today’s card at Wincanton (14:10).

Trained by Fergal O’Brien, the six-year-old showed progressive form over hurdles last season when winning three of his six starts.

In the last of those, Barney Dwan easily beat Potters Legend by four lengths in a competitive 18-runner Grade 3 handicap at Sandown.

It was a most taking performance and one which suggested the strapping son of Vinnie Rose would make up into a smart chaser this season.

That view looked set to be confirmed at Kempton last month when Barney Dwan all but came down at the last when in the lead with the race at his mercy.

The gelding had jumped superbly up to then and, in hindsight, jockey Paddy Brennan had no real reason to ask him for a big one which resulted in him sprawling baldy on landing and eventually getting beat eight lengths.

However, it was still an effort which suggested Barney Dwan is an exciting recruit to the chasing ranks and one to follow this season.

Class-dropping Giveitachance each-way value

In the 2m 5f handicap hurdle (15:10), the well-treated Giveitachance looks decent each-way value at the odds on offer now eased in grade.

Trained by Claire Dyson, this nine-year-old is a course winner who was last successful at Huntingdon 13 months ago when scoring by 1 3/4 length off a mark of 100.

Giveitachance also ran well on seasonal reappearance when trying to win that race for a third consecutive time before disappointing last time out when a well beaten eighth at Newcastle.

However, the assessor has been kind in quickly dropping the gelding 6lb to a mark of 99 and the return to a right-handed track is a big plus as all his best form has come going clockwise.

Giveitachance also now drops into class 5 company for the first time in nearly three years and has a 60 per cent strike rate in the grade, having won three of his five starts in it.

Wincanton tips for December 13

12.40: Soupy Soups
13.10: Movewiththetimes
13.40: Royal Salute
14.10: Barney Dwan (NAP)
14.40: Grand March
15.10: Giveitachance (E/W)
15.40: Clondaw Shane

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