Andy Holding's Monday Racing Tips

THE CON MAN (NAP) (best price 13-8) left the impression at Haydock he was a winner waiting to happen and he receives a confident vote to justify that theory off what appears to be a fair mark. Well-backed to make a successful handicap debut at the Merseyside venue, things didn’t quite work out as well as anticipated after he got left to row his own boat when the front-running The Linksman departed the scene at the fourth and although he looked like he might have built up a big enough advantage, the strong-finishing Flinck came and picked his pocket late on. For large chunks of that well-run affair, however, Donald McCain’s inmate went through the race like he was better than a 123-horse and with the form of his previous novice hurdle, when he was also runner-up, working out so well with the likes of Marie’s Rock, Stimulating Song and Ebony Jewel all winning since, it all adds up in favour of this lightly-raced son of Oscar hopefully justifying his position in the market.

SADMA (best price 9-2) may be 11 but he’s really found his sweet spot of late and another solid performance looks on the cards at a track where he knows like the back of his hand.

Since returning after an 82-day break, the son of Street Cry has really found his mojo and a victory at Hereford on soft ground was backed up with another fine effort over today’s C&D. Despite racing too keenly for his own good, he still managed to make the in-form Scrutinise work hard for his victory and although he has a bit to find on that form back in December, his old rival does arrive here after a crushing defeat 23 days ago. Likely to be up with the pace again from flag fall, the exuberant grey can reward solid each-way support.

MOUNT WELLINGTON (best price 9-4) has looked a totally different proposition since the application of a hood and he’s strongly fancied to score for the third time in four starts at a track that also suits his come-from-behind tactics.

Disappointing when well-backed to make a successful start for new connection at Newcastle in November, Stuart Williams’ gelding hasn’t looked back since and his victory here two weeks ago is indicative of how much confidence he has at present. Dropped right out of the back of the field from his high draw, the five-year-old still had plenty on his plate turning for home, but in putting in a power-packed finish down the straight, he pulled an unlikely win out of the fire with a bit to spare. Although fully effective over a well-run six furlongs, today’s extra yardage should provide him with a little more breathing space regards getting into top gear and the son of Invincible Spirit can keep the amazing run of his yard going in the right direction.