Andy Holding's Thursday Racing Tips

CURIOUS TIMES (best price 9-1) hasn’t been seen out since breaking his maiden tag at Down Royal 93 days ago, but that at least means he arrives here a fresh horse and looking to do plenty of damage on just his second start in handicap company off what appears to be a fairly lenient mark based on his latest performance.

Not massively well-fancied at the Co Down venue, Shane Crawford’s gelding travelled through the race, however, like a he was a short-priced favourite, and then once shaken up on the run-in, he readily fended off the challenge of the useful Black Tears to score in convincing fashion. Not only was his time pretty rapid, the subsequent performances of the runner-up (fourth in the Grade 1 Mares Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham) and third (beat the high-class Zero Ten in a Grade 2 at Faiyhouse) suggests that collaterally, the son of Shantou has done well to escape just an 11lb rise in the ratings and with the tongue-tie seen as one of the main reasons for his rapid improvement, on again, he rates a very strong bet at his morning odds.

Other than the imperious Paisley Park, this division has had a rather second-rate feel to it all season, and it could well be that improving handicapper NOT MANY LEFT (best price 8-1) may turn out to be the surprise package of a race that looks very much up for grabs.

A brave third in the hugely-competitive Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival (time figures comparative to the World Hurdle on the same card), Jessica Harrington’s gelding was allowed to take his chance in Graded company at Fairyhouse last time just to see where he fits into the grand scheme of things and he didn’t disappoint with a career-high performance. Unable to go with the speedier Rashaan from the back of the second last, the son of Oscar dug down deep for pressure on the run-in to snatch a gallant runner-up spot and now stepping back to a trip more in-keeping with his strengths, a big performance should be forthcoming from the consistent six-year-old.

A devilishly tricky staying handicap with a whole host of possible permutations, but both THREE MUSKETEERS (best price 17-2) and INSULT (best price 16-1) have done enough in recent times to warrant a small involvement against the field.

A useful performer when in the care of Dan Skelton, the former made the perfect start for new connections with a surprise victory at Aintree last time out and even off a 5lb higher mark here this afternoon, he should turn out to be a dangerous opponent to all. Staying on strongly in the latter stages, Gordon Elliot’s gelding ran the last circuit three seconds quicker than the Grade 1 novice won by Felix Desjy and with the likelihood of even more to come over today’s three-mile trip, he’s dangerous to dismiss despite the anchor of top weight.

The latter clocked some smart numbers when scoring in an EBF qualifier over today’s course back in February and he was strongly fancied to go close in the Final itself at Fairyhouse last time out. Going well just in behind the speed approaching four out, unfortunately Henry De Bromhead’s gelding gave Rachel Blackmore no chance of staying in the plate, but providing he’s suffered no ill effects from that untimely tumble, there’s every chance his ability will ensure he’s a player off his light weight.

Arguably one of the races of the entire week on paper with the likes of Duc Des Genievres, Ornua and DEFI DU SEUIL (best price 2-1) all showing a high level of form in this category so far this season but preference is for the latter on account of the way the race might be set up in his favour.

As we know, Ornua doesn’t hold back and that should insure a strong pace from the outset and that’s exactly the kind of environment Philip Hobbs’ gelding thrives on. Missing a possible clash against the very best over two miles in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, the decision to stick to Plan A and run in the JLT Chase reaped the ultimate rewards, and with the form of that race already working out a treat thanks to the exploits of the beaten pair Lostintranslation and Kildisart, the talented six-year-old has nothing to fear despite dropping back down to the minimum trip here this afternoon.

NONIOS (best price 7-1) certainly isn’t one for those of a nervous disposition but there’s no doubting he has plenty of talent and he’s fancied to go well again at a track that has served him well in recent times.

Form figures of 1421121 reveal his appreciation of the surface at the Essex venue and his latest victory had all the hallmarks of how effective he can be when the race is run to suit. In a well-run race a month ago, David Simcock’s gelding was typically put to sleep towards the back of the field and then when delivered with his customary late charge in the closing stages, he found enough to fend off the challenge of the fast-finishing Aquarium. Usually a hands and heels type of ride, the son of Oasis Dream has struck up a fine partnership with tonight’s pilot Dylan Hogan, who clearly knows how to get the best out of his mount, and with the likelihood of another well-run race on the cards, he rates a solid each-way proposition.