Katalyst made her third and final start as a novice at Southwell on Tuesday where she put in another encouraging performance to finish just two lengths behind the winner in fifth place.

Hopes were high for the club's two-year-old filly following her much improved performance at Kempton last time out, where she finished fifth behind a string of very well bred horses. She had been impressing trainer Chris Grassick at home on the gallops following that run and the decision was made to get her back out on track relatively quickly whilst she was at full fitness and showing her typically fantastic attitude.


Two of Katalyst's Owners for the Day with trainer Chris Grassick and jockey Ed Greatrex

Fast forward to Southwell and Katalyst burst out of the stalls in great style, taking up a prominent position at the head of the field, one out from the rail, before settling in tucked in behind the early leader of the race as they made their way round the sole bend on the seven furlong trip at Southwell. 

She travelled comfortably through the first half of the race, and as the runners made their way into the final three furlongs, jockey Edward Greatrex began to get to work on Katalyst to ask for more effort. She responded well, much like she did at Kempton last time out, and joined the leaders with just over two furlongs to go.

WATCH: Edward Greatrex believes that Katalyst will improve even more going forward

Katalyst hit the front inside the final two furlongs, but her rivals were closing the gap with every stride. However, it wasn't until the very final stages of the race that our filly's effort began to peter out where she just ran out of gas. In the end it was Ghisa for the Ollie Pears team who stayed on the best to land the spoils, with Positive Thoughts, Polka Blue and Bright City Lights filling second, third and fourth spot.

It was great to see Katalyst back up her last effort at Kempton and prove it was no fluke. Throughout the entire race she looked comfortable, and Ed gave her a great ride which we're sure she'll have learned plenty from as she gets set for handicap company next time out.

WATCH: Chris Grassick gives his thoughts on Katalyst's run and lays out some plans for the rest of the year

We caught up with Chris Grassick the morning after the race to find out what his plans were for Katalyst over the next few weeks, as we head into the final couple of months of her two-year-old campaign:

"I was really pleased with the way Katalyst performed yesterday, and I'm hoping that we should get a handicap mark that we can work with towards the end of the year. I'm hoping that she'll continue to improve before the end of the year and I'll be trying to find the right Nursery race for her that we can go out and win before she begins her three-year-old season. 

Katalyst actually left half a bowl of food this morning, which is the first time I've seen her not fully eat-up the morning after a race. It's not a concern, it just shows that she really put in an effort yesterday and got to her girths in the contest.

I really do believe that the next time we see her out on course that there will be even more improvement, which will likely be over seven furlongs once again although a mile certainly isn't out of the question. 

I'll keep you updated in the coming days, but if all goes to plan we should see her back out on track within the next few weeks!"