Andy Holding's Monday Racing Tips

HAYLAH (NAP) (best price 6-4) was a little too keen for her own good on debut at Newbury, but at the same time she did more than enough to suggest she can win a race of this nature in due course. Clearly knowing her job at the Berkshire venue, Richard Hannon’s filly flew out of the traps to establish an early advantage, but her unwillingness to drop the bridle and settle ultimately cost her any chance of seeing out the 6f trip. That said, even though she faded into fifth behind the well-fancied Bashaayir, the daughter of Epaulette still posted a speed figure to suggest she ran to a very decent standard in defeat and providing she can have her ability harnessed in the right direction her today, she should have the quality to get off the mark at the second time of asking. 

A competitive little novices’ chase despite the small field and KAYF ADVENTURE (best price 7-2) is taken to make an impact in his first attempt over the larger obstacles. Third and only beaten eight lengths by Neon Wolf in a very hot novices’ hurdle on his seasonal return last year, Philip Hobbs’ inmate acquitted himself well in all three subsequent starts and even though he got beaten when a short-priced favourite in handicaps towards the backend of the campaign, he still remains a horse to keep on side. A strong traveller through his races, hopefully his technique will stand up at the first time of asking over fences as he’s always left the impression he’s the type to do really well in this discipline.