Andy Holding's Saturday Horse Racing Tips

WALK IN THE MILL (best price 8-1) has yet to establish himself as a fully-fledged Saturday horse, but based on the evidence of his latest win at Wincanton, there’s more than a fair chance Robert Walford’s charge can put his name in lights in this competitive heat. A cosy winner first time out this season at Exeter, the son of Walk In The Park really came of age, however, when trouncing a useful field at Wincanton last time out and although we didn’t get to see much of the action that day due to the fog, his overall and sectional times were the revealing aspect of that performance. His final circuit time of 2.16.6 was way better than Wild West Wind’s lap of 2.21.8, so even though the handicapper has had his say to the tune of 12lb, it still may not be enough to keep up with the level of improvement of this in-form seven-year-old.

SHOREDITCH (best price 5-2) could have done with a slightly better draw, but he is that superior to the rest of his opponents that he should have enough quality to overcome that impost and follow up his win here from two weeks ago. Breaking alertly from his inside post, the son of Dubawi got himself into a lovely rhythm early and once asked to go about his business turning for home, he really opened up in the style of a smart horse. Not only visually impressive, Mohammed Al Muhairi’s charge clocked a time suggesting he wouldn’t be out of place against the big boys in the Carnival itself, so while he still gets the chance to race in this grade, he should be kept firmly on side.

BAROOT (best price 11-2) posted a fair set of figures for a non-carnival event here two weeks ago and now that he’s established himself as being equally effective on the turf, Mike De Kock’s inmate is expected to continue on the upward curve. Twice a winner on dirt here last season, the Dubawi gelding improved markedly on his reappearance by running out a comfortable winner of a 1m handicap and being as though he was very strong in the finish that day and he’s got previous form here over the extended 1m 1f on dirt, today’s trip should hold no fears for this uncomplicated type.

Plenty of big names on show here with Cheltenham aspirations on the line and even though A GENIE IN A BOTTLE (best price 11-2) wouldn’t have the highest profile of the field, he has the sort of attitude and stamina to make a big impact. Although beaten by Martello Tower two starts ago at Fairyhouse, he was gaining on Mags Mullins’ inmate hand over fist as the line approached and having proved his worth by fending off a decent field back at the same course when upped in trip the last day, Noel Meade’s charge should also be equally at home over today’s stiff examination.

CHARLIE STOUT (best price 5-2) indicated he’s still on the improve with his sound effort in a decent handicap at Leopardstown last time out and as he appears to be on the right side of the handicapper as present, Shane Nolan’s inmate is fancied to get back on the winning trail. A winner two starts ago at Thurles, the son of Spadoun impressed by the way he stayed on from an unpromising position at the Dublin venue 31 days ago and with the winner, Thirsty Work, going on to follow up next time out and second, Tudor City, finishing a creditable runner-up to Ice Cold Soul in a valuable handicap subsequently, the form looks very strong in context of this race.

Runner-up to Ziga Boy in this race last year, COOLOGUE (best price 14-1) looks to have bright claims of going close twelve months on at a track that clearly plays into his strengths. Yet to finish out of the first three in four starts on Town Moor, Charlie Longsdon’s charge has also run to a decent standard elsewhere, including last time out when trying valiantly to run down the relentless gallop that Three Faces West set at Newbury. Best when ridden up with the pace over 3m on decent ground, everything looks set fair for another bold display from this sound-jumping son of Hellissio.

There was nothing faulty about MANWELL’S (NAP) (best price 5-2) victory here last time out and with similar conditions set fair, Sam Drake’s charge is strongly fancied to overcome the understandable reaction from the assessor. Well backed beforehand 28 days ago, the son of Gold Well didn’t give his supporters too many anxious moments given the way he travelled through the race and despite being a little scruffy at the last hurdles, he ran out a ready winner. Not only was he impressive with the manner of victory that day, the time he clocked was one that suggested he’s a good way ahead of the handicapper and in a race where there are plenty of doubts about his opposition, he should be able to sit this examination paper without too many headaches.