Andy Holding's Bank Holiday Monday Racing Tips

EX PATRIOT (NAP) (best price 2-1) has been a model of consistency since joining the hurdling ranks and it would be a fitting way to end the season if he were to take this for his up-and-coming trainer. Formerly with Ger Lyons on the level, the son of Elusive Pimpernel made an impressive start to his new career when landing a maiden hurdle over today’s C&D and although he went on to prove his love affair for the track by getting his head in front of smart field on his return visit, he unfortunately lost the race in the stewards’ room. A brave and creditable fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last time out, Ellmarie Holden’s charge holds most of today’s field on that form and this looks his for the taking on ground that will suit his big frame.

SONNY B (best price 20-1) has been plying his trade to a decent level over fences this season, but he rates an interesting contender on his return to hurdles in a race he threw away last year. Travelling best going down to the last, John Walsh’s inmate made a bad mistake and unshipped his pilot and if he’d stayed on his feet, that would have been a hat trick of victories for the 10-year-old who usually comes good at this time of the year. Unfortunately, another bad error at the last cost him dear two starts ago when he would have been heavily involved in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown, but it just goes to show the kind of performances the Spadoun gelding is capable of achieving and he looks massively overpriced if he can avoid mishap this time around.

Away from the main recommendation, CARA’S OSCAR (best price 11-1) has to be of some interest given that she’s won at this meeting for the last three seasons. Although he clearly has his issues, he always manages to run to a high standard when on-song and Robbie Power is 4-5 on Gavin Cromwell's charge.

MOVIE LEGEND (best price 13-8) was clearly facing a stiff task trying to match strides with Contre Tous here last time out but without that kind of rival in opposition today, Lucy Wadham’s inmate is fancied to gain an overdue success. Yet to win in 14 starts, it would seem a dangerous policy taking a relatively short price about a horse who’s also finished second on three of his last six starts, but there appeared to be nothing wrong with his attitude when going hard all the way to the line 21 days ago and with the time figure backing up the overall performance, the Midnight Legend gelding is well worth another chance.

Gordon Elliot and the Gigginstown operation dominate proceedings here, so much so, that the one to feel sorry for is poor old Des Scahill in the commentary box. Amidst the sea of maroon, there are a couple of potent threats to the champion trainer-elects’ strangle-hold on the race, and in the shape of OUR DUKE (best price 7-1) and ABOLITIONIST (best price 12-1), both have strong claims of providing a lady trainer with yet another Grand National within a fortnight. Without any doubt, the former is easily the most talented horse in the 31-strong field, it’s just a question of whether his inexperience might catch him out on only his fourth start over fences. Winner of two of his three chase starts, his only defeat came at the hands of Disko in the Grade 1 Floglas Novices’ Chase at Leopardstown back in February when he found the overall pace of Noel Meade’s charge too hot to handle over a trip way short of his best. Prior to that smart effort, Jessica Harrington’s inmate had marked himself down as a potential RSA horse by getting the better of Drinmore hero Coney Island in a titanic tussle over 3m at the same Dublin venue, so it came as a surprise to see connections state that Cheltenham wasn’t on the agenda for this year. Hopefully the decision to run here for the big bucks rather than keep the son of Oscar in the safer waters of novice company doesn’t backfire, but whatever his fate, he has already clocked the sort of speed figures to suggest he could easily be Gold Cup material for next season (33-1 at time of writing).

Similar to Jessica Harrington, Ellmarie Holden is making a real name for herself this season and her partnership with Rachel Blackmore during the winter months has really blossomed. Formerly with Shark Hanlon, Abolitionist has continued his progression for new connections and following two runner-up spots in decent handicaps, he finally had his day in the sun when capturing the Leinster National at Naas last time out. A smooth traveller who jumps well and thrives in a big field when the pace is strong, the son of Flemensfirth should give a good account on ground and track that will suit.

BARRYS JACK (best price 11-2) has run two nice races for new connections he looks booked for another positive display following his excellent effort at Hexham last time out. Shaping as though he’d be all the better for the run on his opening bow for Brian Ellison, the seven-year-old was unfortunate to bump into the bang-in-form Modulus last time out at the Cumbrian venue, but there was plenty to like about the way he travelled through that race and today’s conditions – 2m 4f on good ground – should play right into his strengths.