Andy Holding's Saturday Horse Racing Tips

BRIO CONTI (best price 7-1) looks a horse of some potential based on his performances so far to date and he certainly has enough class to play a significant role in a race of this nature. Impressive when landing a bumper towards the backend of last season, Paul Nicholls’ charge has created a favourable impression on his four starts over hurdles, none more so than when beating the very useful Wenyourreadyfreddie with the minimum of fuss at Doncaster last time out. Off the back of solid fractions throughout, the Don Alco gelding impressed by the way he cruised his way through the race on Town Moor and with the winner going on to prove the worth of the form next time out, a mark of 134 doesn’t appear too harsh for his handicap debut.

FORTUNATE GEORGE (best price 8-1) ran a blinder at Ascot last time considering how much ground he gave away at the start and he looks poised to go well given his current wellbeing and general level of form. Runner-up in his two previous starts in strong speed figures contests, Emma Lavelle’s charge was another victim of those pesky standing starts that officials seemed to be totally obsessed with at the Berkshire track 28 days (still not sure what was wrong with the old system), but his eternal credit, he ran on strongly from the back of the field to finish a never-nearer third. Hopefully this time around he can break on terms and with ground and track set to suit (has been placed here before), the son of Oscar is a must for any shortlist.

In hindsight, not enough use was made of LATE DATE (best price 5-1) at Kelso last time out and he’s taken to finally deliver the goods after several frustrating efforts. Unlucky when tipping up going well while in the lead at Ayr two starts ago, it was strange to see Finian O’Toole not adopt similar tactics on Micky Hammond’s charge 14 days and in allowing the winner that day, Sammy B, to pouch a significant advantage, he rather let the race slip through his fingers. Hopefully more use will be made of the Oscar gelding today and he rates a decent each-way bet if allowed to do so.

FINAL NUDGE (best price 20-1) has always left the impression that a marathon trip will suit and he gets a chance to put that theory to the test in this traditional post-Cheltenham staying handicap. A smart novice hurdler last year, David Dennis’ inmate has taken really well to fences and he couldn’t arrive here in any better form following wins at Hereford and Newbury. On the latter occasion, the son of Kayf Tara showed stamina and battling qualities in abundance when staying on strongly late on to wear down the useful Lessons In Milan, and with that victory making him 2-2 since the cheekpieces went on, another bold display looks on the cards despite his big price suggesting otherwise.

Despite hating the heavy ground according to connections, BOUND HILL (best price 11-10) still proved too good for his opposition over today’s C&D last time out and with his confidence bound to have been boosted following his first career start, Fiona Shaw’s charge can go in again. The feature of that performance here 32 days ago was his sectional times compared to the useful Kayf Adventure, as in running the final circuit 0.8 seconds quicker than Philip Hobbs’ 125-rated performer, the Kayf Tara intimated he’s a good bit better than his current rating suggests. Returning to the scene of that victory back on spring ground, the eight-year-old, therefore, should have far too many guns for this modest bunch.