Catterick Handicap Hurdle Preview: 24 February 2026

An eight-runner Class 3 handicap hurdle over 2m 3f at Catterick on Good To Soft going shapes up as a tight contest, with the field bunched tightly at the top of the RaceMetrics ratings. Medieval Gold leads the combined score at 1525, but Bathgate's course form and recent activity make this far from straightforward.

The Selection: Bathgate

Bathgate is the standout play. He boasts three wins from four runs at Catterick, including two at this exact track-and-distance combination. On Good To Soft going specifically—today's conditions—he has posted 2 wins from 7 runs, a proven record in the going. At 4.50, he's reasonably priced given his H Rating of 1589 (the highest in the field) and his Class 3 record of 5 wins from 24 runs. Joseph Williamson took the ride 15 days ago, keeping him sharp.

The Danger: Medieval Gold

Medieval Gold tops the combined score at 1525 and holds the best H Rating in his immediate rivals at 1571. However, the Form Expert data reveals cracks. He is 0 wins from 2 runs on Good To Soft going and has never run at Catterick. More concerning, he is 0 wins from 1 run over the 2m 2f–4f trip. His only Class 3 win came from a single run—a small sample. At 3.50 overnight he is the favourite, but the lack of evidence in today's specific conditions makes him vulnerable.

The Second Danger: Geromino

Geromino merits respect. He is a 10-year-old with solid form: 11 wins from 35 career runs and 6 wins from 19 in Class 3. The distance suits him—4 wins from 10 runs over 2m 2f–4f. On Good To Soft going he is 1 win from 4 runs. However, he has never won at Catterick (0 wins from 2 runs) and his most recent run was 56 days ago, suggesting a potential freshness concern. He is priced at 8.00.

At a Price: Spot On Soph

Spot On Soph at 12.00 has genuine C&D credentials—2 wins from 5 runs at Catterick—and an excellent record over the distance with 5 wins from 23 runs over 2m 2f–4f. She is 1 win from 11 on Good To Soft, a modest strike-rate, and has no Class 3 wins from 3 runs. The 103-day absence is a real drawback, but the track-and-trip form is there if she can shake off the rust.

Verdict

Bathgate wins, backed by concrete Catterick form and proven Good To Soft credentials.