Andy Holding's Monday Racing Tips

Not a great day it has to be said – particular over jumps – but there is a decent bet to be found from the rubble in the shape of RANGALI ISLAND (NAP) (best price 15-4) in this competitive little all-age handicap.

Still a maiden after five starts, the son of Camacho, however, has showed signs of distinct promise on each outing and his latest effort at Wolverhampton, in particular, very much suggested we could be dealing with a potentially well handicapped horse for the winter months on the all-weather. Dropped out by design from his high draw at the Dunstall Park venue, David Simcock’s inmate raced in the rear until making his move around the home turn, and then just as he was trying to gather up a head of steam in the straight, he ran in to a bit of cul-de-sac close home. Based on the theory he would have won with a better draw and smoother passage late on, the three-year-old looks extremely well treated off the same mark of 73 and having finished one place behind the now 115-rated Headman on his last visit to today’s track this time last year, he should really be capable of doing some damage in a race of this nature back at the scene of that excellent performance.

By far and away the classiest contest on the card, and it should go the way of ROYAL LINE (best price 6-5) if he reproduces any of his recent performances.

Winner of last season’s November Handicap, John Gosden’s inmate has made a seamless transition into pattern company and his Group 3 victory here back in September came courtesy of a very fast time figure. Back on the grass last time out, the son of Dubawi ran a blinder when a creditable third behind two of the best stayers in the world in the shape of Kew Gardens and Stradivarius, and although his stamina was put under maximum pressure that day, he came through with flying colours. Dropping back down to his optimum distance here this afternoon, the lightly-raced chestnut should prove too strong in all departments and he deserves to be played accordingly.