Andy Holding's Friday Racing Tips

Despite just the one run over fences, BEGGAR’S WISHES (NAP) (best price 5-2) easily brings the best form and time figure to the party courtesy of his victory at Sedgefield last time out and he’s taken to defy his inexperience in this competitive handicap. A useful hurdler with two wins last season, Peter Bowen’s inmate took his performance levels to a whole new level on his chasing debut, as off the back of a very strong pace, he stayed on best of all to cut down his prey in the closing stages. Not only was the effort backed up by the speed figures, the actual nuts and bolts of the form has been boosted by the runner-up, Robbing The Prey, and fifth Burrenbridge Hotel (both won since), so if he can just get into a nice rhythm around this unique track which puts an emphasis on clean, accurate jumping, the rest can take care of itself.

ANOTHER VENTURE (best price 7-1) blew his chance of getting off the mark over fences by not having the sufficient speed to go with the leaders when the pace increased down the back straight over today’s course last time out, but he did keep on willingly enough to recommend another crack at Kim Bailey’s stout stayer in a test that should suit. Looking unlikely to even hit the frame given his unpromising position with half a mile to race here 23 days ago, the son of Stowaway showed great determination to work his way back into the fold down the final line of fences and although he couldn’t quite get on terms with the well-regarded winner, the pair pulled clear of the rest to the tune of 40 lengths. Moreover, the speed figure also indicated it was a smart effort by the six-year-old and now returning to the scene of that fine display, hopefully the less frantic rhythm of today’s stamina-sapping contest will help him overcome his experience.

SNOW PATCH (best price 7-2) was agonisingly denied her first victory here last week, but on the evidence of that display and the numbers, she looks to have a decent chance of making amends on handicap debut. Breaking alertly to lead her field comfortably to the halfway point, Darren Bunyan’s charge appeared to have seen off her rivals going inside the final furlong, but despite maintaining a decent gallop all the way to the line, she unluckily had her pocked picked right on the line by the fast-finishing Khwarizmi. Prior to that unfortunate episode, the daughter of Epaulette had run with credit in a well-run maiden over tonight’s C&D (fast speed figure) and with a mark of 67 not appearing to be an insurmountable number, hopefully she can make it fourth time lucky at tonight’s track.