Andy Holding's Saturday Racing Tips

Not as big a field as normal for this prestigious mid-summer jumping prize, but no less easy to solve. Although STAR FOOT (best price 10-1) might lack the class of some of his rivals, he does seem to come alive at today’s Lincolnshire venue and for that reason he might be able to bridge the gap. Successful on his first ever visit to the track last year, Jo Davis’ inmate has added to his tally twice over and being as both victories came about off the back of very sound fractions, the belief that a similarly strong pace will play into his hands looks a fairly plausible assumption.

Despite top weight, JOHN CONSTABLE (best price 11-2) has to come into the argument given how impressive he was when landing the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock when last seen. Always traveling best in that competitive heat 70 days ago, the son of Montjeu sealed the deal with a tremendous burst of speed after the second last and even though the handicapper saw fit to raise him 16lb thereafter, the hike looks totally justified based on that performance. Clearly the tongue-tie added in recent times has worked the trick with Evan Williams’ gelding and being as he’s missed several very tempting engagements on the Flat in order to be saved especially for this prize, suggests connections aren’t too concerned about his new mark either.

A low draw is often favourable over 7f at today’s track – even more so if you are a front runner connections of ALANS PRIDE (NAP) (best price 2-1) must have been overjoyed when their charge pulled out stall one in the ballot. Although he doesn’t necessarily have to lead, Richard O’Brien’s inmate has run his best races when allowed to stride along at the head of affairs and even though he’s got turned over trying to adopt those tactics on his last two starts, he’s still run to a very useful level in defeat. Indeed, his latest runner-up spot came when he just got nutted on the line by subsequent winner Tom Dooley at Roscommon and the fact that the pair pulled well clear of the rest also provides extra credence to the performance. Adaptable on all kinds of underfoot conditions and proven at today’s track twice over, the son of Footstepsinthesand has all the right ingredients to gain a deserved victory.

Jimmy Moffatt is never a million miles away with his representatives at his local track and both BORUMA (best price 15-2) and IDDER (best price 15-2) are worth more than a second look in this competitive staying handicap. The former has struck up a real affinity with the unique Cumbrian track in recent times and his smooth success over the C&D last time meant his course stats went up to an impressive-looking 2232411. Better suited by a strong pace over today’s trip rather than shorter distances, the son of Brian Boru has his ideal conditions in order for him to run to maximum capacity.

Amazingly, the latter has yet to run at this track, nor try beyond 2m 4f, but there’s every chance he will adapt to both unknowns. Stamina certainly didn’t appear to be an issue when he outstayed the useful Trafalgar Rock over a stiff 2m 1f last time out and he still appears well enough treated to make an impact off bottom weight.

In what looks to be a mind-bogglingly difficult renewal of this competitive handicap chase, the ever-consistent SHELFORD (best price 10-1) appeals as the one most likely to run his race and reward each-way support. Although there’s a plausible argument to suggest Dan Skelton’s eight-year-old is fairly exposed, the case for the defence would also say he ran his best ever race last time when he finished runner-up to the improving Temestatefloresco in the Summer National at Uttoxeter last time out to balance up the debate. Big-fields, small-fields, left or right-handed and all ground conditions seem to come alike to this likeable and sound-jumping son of Galileo and because he stays beyond three miles, he’s also not going to be found wanting for stamina when others have cried enough in the latter stages.

PRESENTING JULIO (best price 9-2) has been in fine form during the summer jumping period and this looks a decent opportunity for Gordon Elliot’s charge to follow up his recent success at Roscommon. Always travelling best that evening, the son of Presenting quickly put the race to bed with a nice change of pace from two out and with the time figure revealing it was a fair effort for the grade, it makes perfect sense to stay with the in-form nine-year-old while conditions remain in his favour (likes decent ground, so be wary if it rains).

TRILLIANT (best price 9-4) dwarfed her opposition in every sense when scoring easily at Haydock last time out and this improving filly can continue her upward curve in a race which looks to be well within her compass. Undone by trying to force the issue over 1m 2f the before at Goodwood, Ed Walker’s inmate seemed much better suited by being switched off and brought with a late run when dropped back two furlongs at the Lancashire venue 16 days ago and the turn of foot she exhibited in the latter stages, suggests she got more boot than connections probably previous thought. Sure to get a nice tow into the race courtesy of Lincoln Rocks being in the line-up, this big, imposing filly should be capable of outrunning her rivals late on.

MAZYOUN’s (best price 10-3) overall profile suggest he isn’t one to have maximum faith in, but as he once again showed at Sandown last time out, all the ability is there, it’s just a case of harnessing it in the right direction. Held up last at the Esher track 14 days ago, Hugo Palmer’s charge faced an impossible task having run down some pretty smart three-year-old handicappers in the home straight, but to his ultimate credit he made a decent fist of things by finishing a never-nearer fourth. Running the last four furlongs in 48 and change, only Ulysses (47.6) and Barney Roy ran quicker from that point onwards on the day and having run well on all his three starts over today’s trip, the son of Mayson looks set to kick start the second half of his season around with a victory at a track where he’s gone well in the past.