Nathan Brittles was an appropriate, if shock, winner of the Gods Solution Handicap at Catterick yesterday.

The four-year-old gelding was produced at the furlong marker by Philip Makin and the 50-1 shot battled on well to score by half-a length from Sarraaf.

The starting price alone was news, but he is also trained at Thirsk by David Barron, the man responsible for saddling the aforementioned Gods Solution to win the corresponding race on six occasions from 1984 to 1991.

Barron, who presented winning owner Steve Vickers with the trophy, said: ''I won this often with old Gods Solution but this is the first time since.''

Linda Green finished with a late flourish to land the opening Tote Big Screen Is Here Classified Stakes by three-quarters of a length, having avoided all the trouble in a rough race.

The 10-1 chance had revealed ability last term and was ready for her first start for Paul Blockley.

Future plans are on hold as the filly became unsettled at the start.

''She got worked up and lathered in sweat at the start, so we won't be in a hurry,'' said Blockley.

The seven-furlong Forcett Selling Stakes fell to Zhitomir.

Blunham and Mister Mal towed the field along at a fair clip for the bulk of the race but had no answer to the winner's effort inside the final furlong.

Although his challenge was perfectly delivered by Shane Kelly to score by a neck, the win was something of a surprise for Darlington trainer Michael Dods, who said: ''He's a horse I couldn't weigh-up. I was so sick of him last year and he's a bit of a tearaway at home, so we thought we'd stick him in a seller.

''He has done well to get the rail, I thought he would have no chance from the draw.''

Although pleased to be off the mark for the turf season, Dods was under no illusions about his charge's ability, saying: ''It has been a bad race though hasn't it?''

Trainer Brian Ellison looks set for a good Flat campaign if Court Of Appeal's victory in the catterick-bridge.co.uk Handicap is anything to go by.

The 13-2 chance clearly likes the North Yorkshire track as he can boast some solid form around Catterick and only just failed to score over yesterday's course and distance last November.

Calatagan made the early running in the mile-and-three-quarter event, but once given his head by Tony Eaves, the winner stretched out to record a two-and-a-half-length victory over Tyoun.

Ellison will be hoping there are more out of the same mould for the months ahead.

''I have 40 for the Flat this year, the biggest team I've ever had,'' the Malton trainer said.

Place Cowboy overcame a 280-day absence to win the Toytop Maiden Stakes over six furlongs and complete a 37.5-1 double for Kelly.

l Connections of Monty's Pass are expecting the 11-year-old to make a bold bid to repeat last year's win in the Martell Cognac Grand National.

Jimmy Mangan's stable star has not won over fences since landing the biggest gamble in the history of the Aintree showpiece with an impressive 12-length call over Supreme Glory last April.

Mangan said: ''He's in great form. I couldn't ask for better. I've been very happy with his preparation.

''He ran well in Naas over two miles in a novice hurdle when David Casey rode him and David was pleased with him.

"He came home well so another two and a half miles and the big fences will be a big help.''

Latest Grand National Betting:

9-1 Hedgehunter, Clan Royal, 10-1 Bear On Board, Jurancon II, 11-1 Bindaree, 12-1 Joss Naylor, 14-1 Davids Lad, 16-1 Amberleigh House, Monty's Pass, Shardam, 25-1 Gunner Welburn, Le Coudray, Lord Atterbury, Southern Star, Takagi, 33-1 bar.