Andy Holding's Friday Racing Tips

As most punters with their fingers on the pulse can see, Parfait could be absolutely thrown in here following his excellent fourth in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes last time out (kept on well after taking field along at a good swinging pace nearside), but equally, FAWAARAQ (best price 6-1) also has the look of a well-handicapped horse himself based on his performance at Haydock last time and, as he’s available to back at a much bigger price, he rates the value each-way alternative. Coming off the back of a 295-day day break, Owen Burrows’ charge travelled well before just getting a little tired in the closing stages of a well-run affair, and he certainly wasn’t knocked about once beaten. Given time to recover in order to avoid the dreaded ‘bounce’ theory, the Invincible Spirit gelding should be just about at fever-pitch on his return visit to a track where he has the perfect 2-2 record.

Nyaleti probably just about sets the standard based on her excellent effort when attempting to make in the Chesham at Royal Ascot, but she faces another powerful Ballydoyle-trained opponent once again in the shape of CLEMMIE (best price 2-1) and for the second time in succession she may have to accept a minor role. An eye-catcher on debut in a decent maiden at the Curragh, Aidan O’Brien’s inmate was understandably well fancied to step up markedly on that initial effort and although she failed to quite live up to market expectations in the Albany Stakes, she still shaped with promise in finishing a never-nearer seventh. Once again very well backed to land a Group 3 back at the Curragh last time out, she finally delivered the goods and in posting an excellent set of figures in victory over stable mate Butterscotch, she marked herself down as a filly of some progression and class. Always travelling easily off the back of the sound gallop that day, she seems to be really getting the hang of what’s required now and with another decent pace a likely scenario, the daughter of Galileo can prove strongest of all where it matters most.

Although conditions aren’t going to be anywhere near as testing than when winning easily at Newbury last time out, connections of MOUNT MARIAH (best price 9-4) will at least be grateful for the rain which has fallen on the Berkshire track in the last 48 hours for their improving three-year-old. Beginning where he left off last season, Ralph Beckett’s inmate once again proved that given a test of stamina with plenty of ease in the ground and he’s a fairly useful tool, and having missed one or two tempting engagements due to fast conditions recently, hopefully there will be sufficient give underfoot for him to perform to best his here this afternoon.

For some unknown reason, COOLFITCH (best price 14-1) had a total brain freeze in the stalls at Windsor last time out (missing break by 10 lengths), but if you are prepared to let that slide and think that was just a one off, she has a much better chance of being competitive than her morning odds imply. Prior to that total aberration, David O’Meara’s charge had proven herself to be a fairly useful performer in these kind of events – as victories over today’s C&D and Ayr testify – and with one of her most valuable commodities being a high cruising speed, she’s always going to be a dangerous stalker when the pace is hot on a straight, flat track such as the Knavesmire.

TRIBAL QUEST (NAP) (best price 5-2) couldn’t hold a candle to the impressive Invincible Army over today’s course on debut, but at the same time, he did more than enough to suggest he has a bright future and he can put his valuable experience to good use on his return visit to the same C&D. Unable to match the winner’s turn of foot in the closing stages, the son of War Front did, however, come home quite strongly in his own right and shaping as though an extra furlong would suit, he’s fancied to get off the mark at the second time out asking despite being up against several well-fancied newcomers.