Andy Holding's Friday Racing Tips

MR MULDOON (best price 10-3) did really well to overcome the sharp track at Sedgefield when winning on chasing debut last month and with today’s more galloping course likely to see him in a better light, Dr Newland’s gelding can continue to further his progression.

A dual winner in the point-to-point field, the son of Rajj managed to score three times in his first season under rules but despite that success, he’s always been regarded as a long-term chasing prospect. It was good, therefore, to see him make an instant impact in his new discipline at the Durham venue and despite a couple of niggly errors when the taps were turned on in the back straight, he was generally quite sure-footed. Producing probably his best leap at the last when he needed it most, the seven-year-old chestnut stayed on powerfully on the run-in to win going away and with the time figure strongly suggesting the race was a very good one for the track and grade, he now looks ready for something a little more taxing here this afternoon.

The maiden hurdle won by Star Gate at Chepstow last month looked an above-average one of its kind – particularly if you take into account the overall tie figure and final circuit sectionals – so having showed up prominently for majority of the 2m3f journey, TIDE TIMES (best price 6-1) has to be worthy of consideration in a race of this nature.

A point winner back in 2018, Ian Williams’ gelding has been lightly raced since but he has managed to run to a fair standard when visiting the racecourse including a fine runner-up effort at Stratford last season along with that aforementioned third at the Welsh venue 24 days ago. Although he couldn’t quite go with the eventual winner from two out, time may tell there was no disgrace in getting beaten by a horse who is likely to take much higher rank throughout his career and now starting off life in handicap company off a reasonable mark of 115, the son of Vinnie Roe commands plenty of respect.

FRIDTJOF NANSEN (best price 7-2) has knocked hard on the door twice at today’s venue without it quite opening but now racing over his optimum six-furlong trip, there’s a decent chance Kieran Cotter’s gelding will finally make a deserved breakthrough.

Runner-up to Arcanears over the minimum trip on his first outing at the Co Lough venue this time last year, the son of Kyllachy filled out the same position when running here last time out over two furlongs further. Racing prominently throughout and insuring the pace was strong, the five-year-old only succumbed to the late thrust of the more patiently-ridden winner, Whatharm, in the final strides but with the pair well clear of the rest and the time figure good, he clearly run close to a personal best. Back in distance and nicely drawn, his prominent run style should turn out to be a big factor given how the track is favouring pace at the moment (hard to come off the speed due to a slow track) and even though he’s not exactly been missed in the market, he still rates a fairly solid each-way bet – especially with most firms betting four places.