Andy Holding's Sunday Horse Racing Tips

There was a slight worry before Friday, that the Nigel Twiston-Davies stable were in a bit of trouble, but a 28-1 winner and a second from two runners quickly dismissed that notion and in the shape of COUNT MERIBEL (NAP) (best price 13-8), the Naunton handler can gain further cheer before battle commences at Cheltenham on Tuesday. Although yet to win a race in six starts, the son of Three Valley’s has run a series of fine races against some notable names since being gelded and with the speed figure of his latest effort when runner-up to the useful Top Ville Ben at Towcester a very useful one (would have won but for a bad blunder at the last), he has more than a fighting chance of lowering the colours of the other form horse in the race, Gran Turina.

THAT’S A WRAP (best price 3-1) still appears to be going the right way based on the evidence of his latest effort at Punchestown and having conclusively proved that he stays 2m 4f well last time out, he’s a confident bet to regain the winning thread. Starting his winning run at Galway back in October, Thomas Mullins’ inmate followed that up with another comprehensive victory at Navan two weeks later and the hat trick was completed with a power-packed finish to an ultra-competitive race at Leopardstown over the Christmas period. Although his winning run came to an end when he returned to the Dublin-based venue next time, a close-up sixth in the Coral.ie Hurdle still reads well in the context of this race and there was nothing wrong by chasing home Presenting Percy either when upped in trip last time as Pat Kelly’s charge should give a good account in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham next week. A strong traveller through his races, the son of Scorpion has Moore’s Road in the field to ensure there’s a good gallop on from flag fall and given that he has the size and scope to cope with his busy schedule, another positive display looks on the cards.

SEAS OF GREEN (best price 10-3) simply danced her way to victory at Fontwell last time out and with her confidence now at an all-time high, Paul Cowley’s charge is worth keeping on side until beaten. Prior to that runaway success, the daughter of Karinga Bay had given the impression that she was a bit of a one-trick pony, with her only two previous victories coming over today’s C&D, and now returning to the scene of her happy hunting ground, confidence is high she can overcome her significant rise in the ratings.