Andy Holding's Thursday Racing Tips

Plenty of potential on show here no more so than Draconien who created a favourable impression on his debut over hurdles, but instead of perhaps foolishly taking on Willie Mullins’ inmate, the safest option is to play in the without the favourite market with BEYOND THE LAW (best price 9-2). Although Mouse Morris’ gelding had run pretty respectable in several useful maiden hurdles, the application of a tongue tie and a more aggressive ride paid dividends in spades at Limerick last time out as he cruised to a 22-length victory. Moreover, his time figure suggested he’s now ready to take on the big boys and be more confident in his approach and he looks the one most likely to bustle up the jolly based on his recent form and overall profile. 

HEAVY METAL (best price 7-2) got well beaten twice by North America here last season, but if ever he was going to get one back over his old rival, today might just be his day with that all-important race fitness on his side. A three-time winner over the C&D during the carnival last year, the Exceed And Excel gelding was seen to good effect when allowed to dominate his rivals in all of those victories and that was very much the case on his seasonal return 21 days ago when he got to the intersection first ahead of main market rival Cosmo Charlie before going on to make all the running. A nice draw just one of the fence here this evening, hopefully he can get out and grab the inside rail over his stable mate Long River – who probably wants 1m 2f – and more importantly, hold vital track advantage over his main market rival who is stuck out on the wing in stall 8.  

MAIFALKI (best price 9-1) has exhibited a bucket-load of talent on more than one or two occasions (travels well in his races), but getting him to piece it all together has proved to be the difficult part of the process of late so he does come with risks attached. Ridden way too aggressively when picked off late on over 1m 4f at Wolverhampton on his return to the all-weather scene, Jason Ward’s was also given no respite in the lead when dropping back in trip on his next start two weeks later and he eventually faded once again to finish a disappointing 10th of 13 for those that backed him into 11-2 second favourite. Given more time to find his feet and settle last time out at Southwell, he at least produced a more positive result despite once again having his stamina stretched to the limit, and providing they decide to switch him off and give him a chance to run his race in a more efficient manner, the son of Falco has the ability to go close in a race of this nature.