Shantou mare worth watching at Catterick The Burgage Stud, Leighlinbridge, County Carlow-based stallion Shantou, has Cheltenham possibilities this year with the likes of Dylan Ross, Sword Of Destiny and Our Father but a daughter of his, Shan Valley looks interesting at an altogether lower level in the 2.50, the TurfTV.co.uk Mares' Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Catterick today. This six-year-old mare, disappointed 27 days ago at Newcastle over three miles when she 'stopped' pretty quickly after travelling well. Prior to that she scored over two and a half at Wetherby and perhaps the drop down to the minimum trip today and the better ground will play to her strengths. She certainly appears to jump and travel well in her races and it is worth recalling that her dam, Statim won three hurdles in 2003 for the late Michael O'Brien. Denis Cullen was aboard for that trio of successes, gained from two miles up to two and a half. Veteran handler Mick Easterby trains Shan Valley and 5Ib claimer Jake Greenall is set to do the steering. There has been money in this contest for Miss Abbey and Donna Elvira, who has the assistance of Robbie McCarth in the plate. (EM)
