Andy Holding's Friday Horse Racing Tips

SPIRITUAL STAR (best price 5-1) clearly comes with risks attached but whereas punters had nowhere to hide with him last time out at Wolverhampton, today’s price does offer a little more wriggle room. Although Lee Carter’s charge can be tardy from the boxes, he took things to a whole new level at the Dunstall Aprk venue 13 days ago by giving his three other rival a 10 length head start and even though he managed to overcome the lost leeway, his early antics left him hung out to dry late on. Hopefully today he will break a little cleaner because he easily has enough ability to win a race of this nature.

Ellmarie Holden continues to make a real name for herself and LOOK CLOSER (NAP) (best price 2-1) looks to have bright claims of adding to her already impressive tally in this novices’ hurdle. Unsuited by soft, winter ground on his first three outings, the son of Danehill Dancer showed improved form when runner-up to From Eden at Fairyhouse two starts ago but it was his breakthrough success on his latest outing over tonight’s C&D which suggested he’s going to be a money-spinner during the next few months while the ground stays on the quick side. Always moving well throughout, the chestnut gelding had far too many gears for his rivals in the latter stages and that decent cruising speed and sharp turn of foot he exhibited 19 days ago should ensure he continues to rise through the ranks – just like his trainer.

TAMLOUGH BOY (best price 15-8) travelled like the best horse in the race last time out at Fairyhouse just 17 days ago and he looks to have been found the ideal opportunity to lay that particular ghost to rest and get off the mark at the tenth time of asking. Nicely positioned throughout, Noel Meade’s charge swept into the lead rounding the home bend and although he stayed on strongly enough from the back of the last, he couldn’t quite repel the late challenge of Drumconnor Lad close home. However, with the pair nicely clear of the useful Coeur Joyeux and with the seventh, Coolmeen Hill, going on to score subsequently at Ballinrobe on Monday night, the form looks pretty smart and providing his pilot Ger Fox can hold on to his mount a little longer over tonight’s extra four furlongs, the son of Central Park has the qualities to turn this lot away.