Andy Holding's Sunday Racing Tips

Not a vintage maiden hurdle by any stretch of the imagination and it’s a race that should be well within the compass of VINNIE IS BUSY (NAP) (best price 2-1) based on his performances in two bumpers.

Well-backed to make a winning debut at Limerick back in January, Charles Byrnes’ gelding always gave the impression he was in control at the Greenmount Park venue and those vibes were very much confirmed by the end product as he scampered away from his rivals coming off the home turn to win going away. Stepped up markedly in grade at Naas last time out, the son of Vinnie Roe took the small, but select field along at a decent pace at the Co Kildare track and although he couldn’t quite go with the leading trip in the latter stages, he was by no means disgraced, Indeed, the front three home that day all harbour a touch of class (particularly the winner Farouk D’Alene, who is unbeaten now in three starts) and as the time figure also backed up the level of competition he faced 28 days ago, only getting beat 10 lengths was still a fair return on the numbers. Although he lacks the experience of some having not faced a flight of hurdles in public, the artificial obstacles at today’s venue will put less emphasis on his technique than the traditional timber flights and with a polished round of jumping, he should easily be good enough to make his presence felt.

For those of us who sided with CHEB DE KERVINIOU (best price 5-1) at Navan last time out only to watch him get nailed late on by Cap York, it made for particularly painful viewing, but at the same time, Gordon Elliot’s inmate did precious little wrong in defeat and he’s afforded another chance to finally get off the mark for his current connections.

Third in a strong heat over 3m4f at Punchestown previously (very fast last circuit), the son of Tiger Groom was well-backed to go two places better at the Co Meath venue last time out and having travelled like the best horse for majority of the journey, it was unjust that he didn’t gain maximum rewards for his endeavours. Under a cracking ride from Rachel Blackmore, the 10-year-old was kept wide in order to race on the better ground and having popped along in front, jumping well and saving energy all the way around, it still seems inexplicable that he managed to get beat. However, that effort still suggests he remains in the rudest of health despite his fairly industrious campaign since switching from his previous French base and providing he has the freshness in his legs to go again, he’s got every chance of competing to another high level over a trip and track that should suit. Others to consider are Ifyoucatchmenow, who posted some smart numbers when landing that competitive Punchestown marathon test last time out and Jimmil, who toyed with the well-treated Treacysenniscorthy at Navan eight days ago.