ADMIRAL'S SECRET looks to be gradually coming to the boil after two runs this season and has a winning chance against 12 rivals in the Win With The Tote' Handicap at Catterick today.
Chris Wall's seven-year-old showed his appreciation of the Yorkshire air on three occasions last summer - taking a handicap at Pontefract and two here at Catterick.
And as course specialists have flocked to Catterick like moths to a flame down the years, the significance of those last two victories - around the course's unique and tight undulating track - cannot be underplayed.
True, Wall's Secreto gelding was beaten 2% of a length by Cross Talk here on his seasonal debut back in late March, but he is set to reoppose on 12lb better terms which should be more than enough to turn the tables.
His subsequent outing does not, admittedly, inspire one with the confidence to empty the bank account on the beast, but there are reasons to believe he will improve.
Wall decided to take the gelding to Nottingham in mid-April, but after finishing an unhappy looking and distant ninth of 13 to Bellara, the trainer put forward that he never handled the rain-softened ground.
Back on a faster surface and at his favourite track, Admiral's Secret ridden by John Reid should oblige at a rewarding price.
George Dillingham looks to have his work cut out on his seasonal reappearance and could need the run although he has been gelded since last season.
Hasta La Vista has performed well at this track before and was a creditable fourth to Pip's Pride on his seasonal debut. Mick Easterby's gelding can chase the selection home.
Barry Hills's Prince of My Heart can take the Richmond Conditions Stakes half an hour later.
Despite only four turning up for the contest, it is still a competitive little affair with representatives from Messrs Cumani, Chapple-Hyam and Cosgrove.
Parsons Boy looks to have the Glengoyne Novices' Chase at his mercy up at Perth where New Tribe can also score (under a penalty) in the Ballathie Amateur Handicap Hurdle.
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