Andy Holding's Tuesday Racing Tips

KOYBIG (best price 7-1) is probably better known for his exploits on the all-weather at Dundalk, but he’s not devoid of ability on the turf and with most of his best performances on the grass coming from visits to tonight’s track, David Marnane’s gelding could prove the surprise package of the race.

Winner of this race twelve months ago, the seven-year-old went on to run two excellent races in defeat when returning to the Co Kerry venue later in the summer period and as those efforts came off a mark of 83, he now looks quite well treated if he can return to his very best. Indeed, he indicated that might turn out to be the case with an eye-catching display over an inadequate trip at Limerick last time out and now back under his optimum conditions and off his lowest rating since 2017, the son of Kodiac has every chance of out-running his morning odds.

Dare one say, the likes of Snugsborough Benny, A Toi Phil and Ball D’Arc may be putting their finishes touches to preparations for Galway in a few weeks’ time, so with that in mind, the door could be left ajar for an in-form and fit hurdler to strike and MACGILONEY (best price 12-1) very much comes into that category.

Denis Hogan’s gelding finally gained some reward for a series of consistent placed efforts when scoring at Cork three starts ago and he may well have followed up but for headbutting the final flight in a competitive handicap - not too dissimilar to tonight’s prize - at Punchestown a month later. Having to settle for a minor role in the end at the Co Kildare venue, the son of Milan made up for that untimely loss when battling to a brave success at Bellewstown on his latest outing and given that he lowered the colours of Make My Heart (rated 130) and Count Simon (134) when considerably wrong at the weights that day, only went to prove just what kind of form he’s in at present. Although that performance hasn’t escaped the attentions of the assessor raising him 12lb for his endeavours, he still deserves the utmost respect being a race-fit hurdler who enjoys the ground and stays the trip well.