Andy Holding's Saturday Horse Racing Tips

FULL IRISH (best price 8-1) has looked the ideal type for this race ever since he embarked on his hurdling campaign and in a contest likely to be a proper test of stamina, Emma Lavelle’s charge can prove he has what it takes. A decent fourth to Doesyourdogbite on his debut at Hereford, the Flemensfirth gelding then had the misfortune to bump into Albert Bartlett livewire The World’s End in what’s turned out to be a very strong novice hurdle, form-wise, at Chepstow on his next start. Revelling in his new front-running role when making all to win with plenty in hand at Leicester last time out, and having already proven himself around the slopes of today’s track, another positive display looks on the cards from this likable type.

The recent form figures of BARAWEEZ (best price 12-1) doesn’t inspire much confidence, but there is a decent case to be made for him on the pick of his best performances and he did catch the eye on his latest outing at Lingfield. Racing over an inadequate trip, Brian Ellison’s charge understandably found himself outpaced and towards the rear of the pack as the field came hurtling down the hill, but once finding his stride in the home straight, he really impressed by the way he picked up the bridle and ran hard all the way through the line. Now back over a trip more in-keeping with his overall profile, the last time the son of Cape Cross ran over a mile he ran a tremendous race to finish a creditable fifth in the Topaz Mile at the Galway Festival from a poor draw, so even though he still faces some big names arriving here on top of their game, he still should be capable of a better show than his price suggests.

Not the usual stellar field for this prestigious pre-Cheltenham handicap, so it provides the ideal opportunity for something like KAYF BLANCO (best price 12-1) to put his name up in lights. Not one of the bigger names when it comes to top class handicaps, he has, however, run to a decent standard in races such as the County and Betfair Hurdles respectively in recent times and as both contests were run at a very strong pace, Graeme McPherson’s charge will be accustom to the examination paper set out more than most. Moreover, on his latest effort over today’s C&D, the Kayf Tara gelding ran a screamer to finish only four lengths adrift of Champion Hurdle upstart Brain Power and a repeat of that level on form should ensure he’s somewhere on the premises.

Another to catch the eye is NOT ANOTHER MUDDLE (best price 9-1) from a team who always have to be respected in races of this nature at this venue. Gary Moore’s inmate, who was also entered up in the EBF Final over four furlongs further, warmed up for a tilt at this prize instead courtesy of a fine effort behind Caspian King at Fontwell last time and given the way he travelled strongly throughout that contest, the drop back to the minimum trip looks to be a wise move by connections.

KEYSTROKE (best price 5-2) has developed into one of the most improved performers on the all-weather this winter and he’s strongly fancied to continue to keep pushing the curve upwards despite this being one of his most stiffest tests to date. Jeremy Noseda’s inmate first sprung to prominence when posting a big speed figure over today’s track three starts ago and it was no surprise to see him a well-punted favourite on his next outing at Newcastle. Unfortunately, the son of Pivotal failed to deliver the goods that day, but he quickly regained the winning thread by dismissing a useful field at Kempton last time out in another slick time. Returning to the scene of his favourite surface over a trip that clearly suits his run-style, his high cruising speed and smart turn of foot can be seen to good effect.

Despite the obvious claims of the main selection, SUMMER ICON (best price 40-1) makes quite a bit appeal at a much bigger price and she has enough ability to easily outrun her odds. Too free and keen when trying to lead it out from the front when last racing over today’s track, Mick Channon’s charge did really well to finish as close as she did last time out at Kempton given where she was turning for home and even though she has a bit to find on the official ratings, it would come as no surprise to see her take the scalp of some more illustrious names.

RUSSIAN SOUL (NAP) (best price 9-2) has been dealt some pretty bad hands since switching from Micky Halford’s stable to race on these shores, but he’s run well enough to suggest it’s surely only a matter of time before he gets his just deserts and lands one of these big pots. A big eye-catcher on his first start for new connections over today’s course at the beginning of last month, his failure to settle off the back of tepid fractions proved his undoing on his next start at Newcastle. Once again, the fickle hand of fate played another dirty trick on Jamie Osbourne’s inmate over today’s C&D last time out, but in finishing strongly from an uncompromising position served only to heighten the desire to stay with him until he finally strikes.

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