Andy Holding's Tuesday Racing Tips

The mere fact that DANS LE VENT (best price 7-1) was allowed to take his chance in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle revealed the regard he’s held in by connections and although he failed in his bid to justify that lofty entry, he should still fare better in today’s less taxing contest. Prior to that total blowout when he failed to handle the really testing conditions at the Berkshire track, Jamie Snowden’s inmate had posted some smart numbers in a useful maiden hurdle over today’s course and providing all eight runners go to post, he rates a very solid-looking each-way option to those at the front end of the market.

Those closely associated with Westend Story are of the opinion they have a very well handicapped horse on their hands and with Philip Hobbs’ inmate having proved that to be the case in very easy fashion at Wetherby last time out, it makes perfect sense to look towards CRAGGAKNOCK (NAP) (best price 4-1) in this lower grade race given that he was the only horse to make any discernible inroads towards the easy winner that day. Going into that contest off the back of the long layoff, Richard Guest’s charge stayed on very strongly in the latter stages without really looking like he was going to reel in the smooth-travelling winner and with the third horse that day, Slanelough, going on to boost the form next time out at Doncaster, there’s every reason to feel upbeat about the seven-year-old following suit with that all-important run under his belt.