Lively Betting at Catterick The catterickbridge.co.uk Handicap Hurdle is proving to be a lively betting heat this morning and with five former Irish-trained horses in the line-up it will hold some interest for enthusiasts on this side of the pond. Favourite, Minella Boys was part of a double for trainer Trevor Horgan and rider Jamie Codd at the Dungarvan point-to-point a couple of years ago. He is 'well-in' to the tune of 8Ibs after a Sedgefield win ten days ago, when nicely-backed, but he has proved to be easy in the market today so far. Clear The Way, won in May 2007 under a vintage Derek O'Connor waiting ride at Bartlemy. The son of Simply Great was then under the care of John Hassett. He has shown form without winning since joining Sue Smith and his odds have shortened today. Lockstown meanwhile scored for Wilson Dennison and Colin McKeever, also in Derek O'Connor's hands at Toomebridge in October 2007. He is a well-bred horse and started his career under Rules for Howard Johnson. He has his fourth outing for Mrs Hamilton in this marathon. Orchard King is the other former 'pointer' in the line-up but he is a maiden in all spheres, returning from a break. The ex-Stephen Mahon and Michael Cunningham-trained Menelaus is also there with a squeak. Denis O'Regan rides Newman Des Plages for Martin Todhunter and James Callow (his colours were carried by Friendly Giant who failed to land a gamble at Down Royal back in August under O'Regan for James Lambe). This multiple French winner has had his odds contract in a big way from fancy prices this morning. (EM)
