Andy Holding's Tuesday Racing Tips & Preview

The race won by Coole Cody at Cheltenham recently was noted for its excellent speed figure and having run well until the soft ground clogged up his engine, FOLLOW THE BEAR (best price 7-4) is fancied to bounce back to something like his best on today’s more favourable surface. Prior to that praiseworthy display, Nicky Henderson’s inmate had also run respectably when third behind two progressive types at Worcester (fought out finish at Market Rasen next time) and although he’s had the ignominy to be previously beaten at today’s venue at 1-14 (got dived-bombed late on), hopefully he can cast that bitter memory to one side on his return visit.

Quite a few possibilities here in this wide-open and competitive affair, but BOBO MAC (best price 10-1) shaped really well last time out against much stiffer opposition and a repeat of that sterling effort should see him right in the thick of the action here this afternoon. Outpaced as the tempo really cranked up on the final circuit at the Welsh venue (very good overall time figure), Tom Symonds’ charge stayed on best of all to claim fourth place in the dying embers and looking as though for all the world distances beyond 2m 4f are likely to suit better nowadays, this likeable grey rates a really strong each-way bet at the morning prices.

SILVER LINK (best price 8-1) proved very strong in the final half mile over today’s course last time out and she’s fancied to take the step up in trip in her stride on her return to the Dunstall Park venue. Despite the small field 24 days ago, the race was run at a decent pace throughout and when asked to go about her business in the latter stages, the daughter of Arcano really opened up in the drive to the line. Indeed, her final lap sectionals were well below the medium figures expected for a race of that type and with the potential of more to come over today’s extra two furlongs, Marcus Tregoning’s filly rates the percentage each-way call.

DOCTOR DEX (NAP) (best price 7-4) was heavily involved in what turned out to be a very strongly run bumper over today’s C&D last time out and with just normal improvement, it will take a decent horse to lower his colours as he returns to the scene of that fine debut performance. One of several to travel notably well throughout the contest, Tom George’s gelding just couldn’t quite match the turn of foot exhibited by the impressive winner in the closing stages, but he kept on well enough to suggest a bright future awaits as he matures. Based on the early market skirmishes, clearly Weebill is expected to go well on his debut, but hopefully the son of Oscar can utilise his experience and have the sufficient class to keep him and the rest at bay.