Andy Holding's Friday Racing Tips

REPETITIO (best price 4-1) just found one too good for him in the shape of the progressive Space Walk on his first try at today’s venue two starts ago, but that effort at least served a good exercise good in becoming acquainted with the Merseyside venue and he looks booked to go well again on his return visit.

Better known for his exploits over hurdles, Nigel Hawke’s gelding seems to be improving in his new discipline also and following a breakthrough victory at Chepstow three runs ago, his next two performances have been just as good in defeat. Probably caught out by the track rather than anything else at Ripon last time out, the four-year-old still came out of that defeat with great credit and with conditions here this afternoon unlikely to hinder his prospects more than most, it’s hard to see him not having a huge say in the final outcome.

The fillies’ handicap run at York at the Ebor meeting was noted for its very strong pace, resulting in the fastest furlong-per-furlong time on the card (better than Love, Miss Amulet and Montatham), and having played a big part in the outcome of that quality contest, DAWAAWEEN (NAP) (best price 11-2) deserves the utmost respect with her sights lower a notch here this afternoon.

A little exuberant in the early stages on the Knavesmire despite the sound pace, James Bethell’s filly was still keen to get on with the job as the field turned for home, so much so, that David Egan had no choice but to let her stride on. In doing so, she ended up engaging with the heavy favourite, Lawaheb, some way from home and although she ultimately got the better of that private joust, the effort in doing battle with her main market rival for the thick end of three furlongs told late on as she had nothing left in the locker to repel the final thrust of Amber Storm. Despite her agonising defeat, her performance levels 15 days ago went through the roof from a speed figure perspective and even though she has got plenty of form over further than seven-furlongs, it’s clear a well-run race at today’s trip suits best. Looking at today’s line-up and there should be plenty of pace on again with the likes of Lola Showgirl and Fantail in the field and providing Kevin Stott can hold her up and resist the temptation to make his move too soon, the daughter of Poet’s Voice could prove very hard to beat if she’s anywhere near the same level of form as she was two weeks ago. Having also run well to finish fifth in the same race, Lorton is another one to consider at a bigger price for those who like to play two against the field.

Stuart Williams has had a pretty retched season up till now, but there have been one or two green shoots of recovery in recent weeks and MARRONNIER (best price 3-1) could provide the Newmarket handler with his third winner within a week if his latest exploits at Sandown are a fair guide.

A dual winner from last season, the son of Lope De Vega found the concession of a stone to the progressive three-year-old, Nugget, a bridge too far on his opening gambit after a 299-day break but that gave connections hope he could still remain on a workable mark and he was backed accordingly for his latest encounter at the Esher track a month later. Slowly into stride 13 days ago, as a result, the four-year-old chestnut turned for home with a mountain to climb but, in finishing off his race in determined fashion, he ended just on the coat tails of the leading players, leaving the impression he would have taken a hand in the outcome with a better rub of the green. Hopefully, he will receive a similar ride here today, as patiently-ridden horses are often rewarded at the Berkshire venue and with any ease in the ground also likely to aid his cause, a decent wager rates the order of the day.

WALHAAN (best price 11-2) was massive eye-catcher here on his penultimate outing when he was noted doing all his best work late on over seven-furlongs and following another creditable effort in one of the hottest handicaps run so far this season, Ian Williams’ grey looks poised to pounce back to the scene of his previous effort.

Disappointing on his first attempt over the straight mile in the Royal Hunt Cup on his first start for new connections, the son of Dark Angel failed to cope with the helter-skelter pace over two furlongs shorter when up against quality sprinters at Pontefract next time. Back to the Berkshire track later in the same month, the four-year-old was clearly ridden with a view of finishing off his race better as he was held up right off the speed but as it turned out, his deep-closing effort didn’t go unnoticed by the stewards on duty that day, or the handicapper for that matter. In as deep as it gets against a field brimmed full of talent at York on his latest appearance, he was once again noted doing some good work form the back of the field, but the fact that this time his performance came over a strongly run mile, proves he’s now beginning to get his act together. Likely to adopt a similar chilly ride from the back of the pack, Walhaan has enough quality to make some sort of impact in a race of this nature.