Andy Holding's Thursday Racing Tips

Normally, a high draw would be seen as a total crippler to overcome over the straight 5f at this fibresand-based track, but based on the evidence of what was witnessed here two days ago (winners drawn 6 of 7, 8 of 8 and 14 of 14), those racing close to the stand side fence weren’t as inconvenienced as per-usual, so that gives hope that PIAZON (best price 13-2) can follow up his recent C&D success. A winner on his first start at the Nottinghamshire venue this time last year, John Butler’s charge has cemented his love affair with the fibresand with form figures of 12211 and as his latest victory was easily one of his best performances on the speed figures, he’s taken to keep his fine track stats intact. Runner-up up to Piazon here last time, Treaty Of Rome, looks the obvious danger.

Having already accounted for Balko Des Flos at Gowran two starts ago, it makes no sense why A TOI PHIL (best price 11-4) can be a bigger price than his main market rival and he’s strongly fancied to confirm the form. Although the Galway Plate hero lost a little bit of momentum with a slight peck on landing after the third last 47 days ago, Gordon Elliot’s inmate won in such a fashion that suggested it made little material difference to the final result and with today’s track layout, ground and trip set to provide a similar environment, it’s hard to see how his old advisory can turn the tables. Moreover, the son of Day Flight has gone on to run a creditable race in a very strongly-run Grade 2 won by Disko last time, and with the third home that day, Ball D’Arc, giving the thumbs up to that particular form line over the weekend, the seven-year-old can provide another decent pot into the kitty of his handler’s bid to become champion trainer.

Dinaria Des Obeaux should prove difficult to beat having posted a big set of numbers first time over fences, but the battle for runner-up berth looks up for grabs and MAGIC OF LIGHT (best price 2-1) rates the value pick to chase the favourite home. Promising on chase debut at Thurles, Jessica Harrington’s mare made no mistake at the second time of asking with a convincing display at Fairyhouse and with a run-style that is likely to carry her away from any possible trouble in behind, the daughter of Flemensfirth should once again give a solid account.

MIDNIGHT GYPSY (NAP) (best price 7-1) clocked an amazing set of numbers for a horse of her grade over today’s C&D last time out (fastest overall and circuit time), so she has to be worth a reasonable interest to see what she can achieve in this slightly stiffer examination. Unsuccessful in a series of handicap chases previously, the move to bring her back to the smaller obstacles clearly worked the trick 15 days ago and with the runner-up, Tempuran, going on to add value to the form next time out, confidence in Stuart Kittow’s mare has been significantly bolstered.