MarkYourCard

3.15 Catterick - Quercus @ 21.0 win bet (sky paddy)

We have turned to a course specialist for todays bet who is dropping back into a grade of race that seems to be ideal for him. 

His form figures in Class 4/5 races over the last two years read: 5-6-12-6-5-4-9-12.

When he drops into Class 6 (0-55 or 0-60) company, he transforms. His form figures in Class 6 company on turf in 2025 and 2024 (ignoring the AW run) read: 1-2-1-0-2-1-10-2.

Today's Angle: He is dropping from a Class 4 (0-80) down into a Class 6 (0-65) today. This is a massive drop in the caliber of his opponents. When he faces this level of opposition, his early speed usually holds up much better in the final furlong.

The main issue is that the early pace will be contested here and when he does not get his own way, there is a danger of an early speed burnout and it is likely that the front end will collapse. If Quercus and Barmyblade go at each other early, we may be in trouble, however at the price i’m willing to have a punt that ours can hold on to the line. 1st run back for the Trainer, back in class, has ideal ground and track and trip in this race. 

The main part of this that is interesting to me is that the horse has had a change of stables a few times recently. The horse was always with Ann Duffield, Indeed she was the original purchaser of the horse back in 2018.  The horse stayed with her through April 2026. Then ran twice in april and may 2026 for Stephen Hanlon, first at Newcastle, then at Catterick in a class 5. Was then sent from Hanlon to Noel Wilson in july 2026 .. who gave him a run at Catterick in a class 4 in July.  Then on 11th August the horse was brought back to Duffield. There are no indication of any sales happening during any of this time, so the shuffle of trainers is confusing to me. 

Duffield said back in August of 2025 

“ 27Aug25 Catterick  (6Gd, RPR 68)

We're delighted - and Quercus probably did it easier than he's ever done before there. He's only won once elsewhere and he just seems to come alive around the track. The winningmost horse there has nine wins, so we'll be eager to try and get him to ten wins there now - Ann Duffield, trainer.”

Back in 2023 she is quoted as saying "The track suits him and while we call him 'quirky quirk' at home, he's actually really genuine." maybe the "quirks" were too much for the other trainers to handle, but she seems to like the horse and will know how to get the best out of him.

The horse is back with her now and still sits on seven wins, I’m sure they will be trying today.

Its worth a win bet at this price, I expect a price at the off that will be closer to 13/2.