Monday Racing Tips: Haarar hat-trick at Catterick?

There's no Irish racing taking place on Monday and that leaves us with three meetings in Britain - and the recent rain means it's going to be hard work on both National Hunt cards.

Our Monday racing tips focus on the card from Catterick, including a bang in-form runner for Rebecca Menzies who looks well set for a successful hat-trick bid.

14:30 Catterick - Florita @ 13/8

Heavy ground is a slight unknown for Sam England's FLORITA but her two comfortable victories on soft ground indicate that it won't be an issue. This mare has taken to fences very well this season, winning two of her three starts over larger obstacles.

She did all her best work late on when winning at Market Rasen in December, and her final half-furlong was her most impressive, as she kicked clear in the closing stages to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths.

A little below par at Wetherby after that, she left that performance well behind when getting back on track with another comfortable success at Market Rasen.

Now could be a good time to catch her as the 7lb penalty she carries here is likely to be smaller than the handicapper's rise once the mare is reassessed.

15:00 Catterick - Kingston Narcissus @ 9/2

Rebecca Menzies runs the potentially progressive KINGSTON NARCISSUS, who was a consistent performer in novice company last season.

He finished second in three consecutive starts in novice and maiden company and was a neck away from winning at Sedgefield in November 2024. The son of Authorized then went one better with a three-length victory at the same track the following month.

The form is a bit of a mixed bag but the fourth did go on to win his next start. Outpaced in his first couple of starts in handicaps this season, it's no surprise that he appreciated the step up in trip at Sedgefield on Boxing Day and he duly obliged over 2m4f.

The handicapper has responded with a 5lb rise, which seems pretty reasonable, and there could be more to come over this sort of trip.

A follow-up victory is anticipated here.

16:30 Catterick - Haarar @ 6/4

Catterick's finale is a very competitive handicap hurdle but the obvious candidate is often the right one and that's why Sam England's HAARAR gets the nod.

Progressing nicely at the moment, the seven-year-old is bidding to complete a hat-trick and can get the job done.

The seven-year-old won a couple of novice races back-to-back in May 2024 and earned a first handicap success over course and distance in this very race last year. Granted he races off a 15lb higher mark this time but he's an improving horse this season.

He won a 2m3f event at Haydock in December and was even more impressive when following up over a shorter trip at Carlisle.

A 7lb penalty probably wouldn't have stopped him that day, so a similar effort would surely give the gelding every chance.