Andy Holding's Sunday Racing Tips

GUSTAVUS WESTON (best price 7-1) did really well to defy a wide draw at Fairyhouse last time out and he’s going to have be on his mettle again to overcome stall 15 of a16 here this afternoon. That said, he impressed in every single department at the Co Meath track 27 days ago that he should be capable of going close here despite the potential tricky impost.

The way he quickened up in the closing stages having circumnavigated the entire field was testimony to his natural ability and providing he can work his way into a decent position early here this afternoon, the son of Equiano will have every chance of producing the same result as last time. 

Back in the field that day, THIEF OF JOY (best price 12-1) certainly did enough on his debut to be considered as a potential threat hailing from a stable whose juveniles often come on substantially for their first run. Drawn wide, Ger Lyons’ colt was also tardily away from the stalls to make life worse, and having raced in the rear for the first three furlongs, he found himself in last position as the field turned for home.

From that point onwards, however, the son of Casamento picked up the bridle in no uncertain terms, so much so, that by the line he’d ran on strongly into a never-nearer fifth. Much better drawn today up the inside fence, this lightly-raced youngster who has a touch of quality, can go well if he can break on terms and worked himself into a decent early pose. 

Probably not as classy a renewal of this Grade B Handicap chase as in some years, but competitive all the same, and it looks well within the capabilities of EIGHT TILL LATE (best price 5-2) based on his current wellbeing. A much maligned character, often accused of not finding as much as anticipated off the bridle, appears to have turned a new leaf in recent times and his latest performance at Punchestown when he had to battle under pressure after the last, suggest he’s got a tougher constitution than when in his younger days.

Back over his more renowned discipline this afternoon, the strong-travelling 10-year-old should get the sound he requires to perform at his best with Draycott Place and Our Dougal being in the field and he looks sure to go well under ideal conditions.

Of those at a bigger price, LAKEMILAN (best price 10-1) also makes some sort of appeal after running better than her final finishing position suggests in a hot handicap hurdle at the Listowel festival last time out.

Held up for a late run, Terence O’Brien’s inmate run into a wall of horses dropping back into her lap as the field rounded the home turn, and given the way she ran on strongly in the closing stages, it’s easy to draw to the conclusion she would have been involved in the finish with a clearer run. Having scored here in the past, the daughter of Milan makes more appeal than her morning odds imply.

VASTONEA (best price 8-1) is very much in the twilight of his career but he still retains plenty of his old ability and having seen the backside of the rapidly-improving Perfect Tapatino on his last two starts, today’s company should come a little easier for the durable 10-year-old.

Having come from miles off the pace to finish a creditable runner-up to Joseph O’Brien’s subsequent winner at the Curragh two starts ago, Kevin Prendergast’s grey ran well enough when fifth in a similarly competitive and well-run heat over today’s course last time out. Back over his optimum trip this afternoon with ground to suit, the son of Verglas can make his presence felt at rewarding each-way odds.