Our Oyster Catcher ran a race full of promise
when only headed in the last 75 yards and beaten a neck by Gnaad on
his first start for Mark Pattinson at Sandown in September and
confirmed that promise at Bath three weeks ago. On that occasion, the
Pastoral Pursuits gelding made all and stayed on strongly to beat
Monumental Man and Secret Potion by 1½ lengths and a neck.
Subsequently, both placed horses have run well enough to suggest that
the form is solid, Secret Potion winning at Wolverhampton last
Tuesday and Monumental Man going down by the minimum margin at the
West Midlands track two days later. The Watch Racing UK on Virgin 536
Handicap (2.50) at Nottingham on Wednesday is competitive enough for
the grade, but
Indeed, his previous Sandown conqueror,
Gnaad – who actually reopposes on 3lb better terms, notwithstanding
apprentices’ allowances – only failed by a neck and a head to
overhaul Broadhaven Honey at Brighton next time, so his recent form
has a reassuringly healthy glow. Epsom trainer Mark Pattinson is only
in his second full year at Tattenham Corner Stables, but is hardly
wet behind the ears, having previously worked for the likes of Jim
Boyle and Lee Carter. Oyster Catcher is the highest-rated of the
string of, so far, fairly moderate horses and, granted luck in
running, must have every chance of chalking up another victory for
the young, ambitious handler.
Selection: Nottingham 2.50 Our
Oyster Catcher to win 12/1
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