Andy Holding's Friday Racing Tips

ALBAFLORA (best price 10-1) may have only won a listed contest at Ascot, but she did it in such a manner that strongly suggested she was ready for something more substantial and today we get the chance to find out whether Ralph Beckett’s star mare is ready meet that task head on. 

Useful at three without being near top class in any way, the daughter of Muhaarar faced a competitive field on her seasonal debut at the Berkshire, but she came out of the contest such a decisive winner, the only conclusion to draw was she had clearly been hoodwinking everyone in her formative year. The way she quickened off a strong gallop 27 days ago suggested she’s a filly right out of the top drawer and with the runner-up, Tribal Craft, going on to boost the form at York next time, there’s nothing to suggest it was anything other than a performance of a potential Group 1 performer further down the line. Whether that turns out to be the case, only time will tell, but either way, she looks to have been underestimated in the market in a major way and she is fancied to significantly punch above her weight

The mere fact Ballydoyle are running five in this Classic, unlike just one in the Derby, maybe suggests they aren’t quite as confident about Santa Barbara as the hype has you to believe, so with that in mind, it may pay to look elsewhere, and in the shape of ZEYAADAH (best price 9-2), we have a viable and strong each-way alternative.

As far as trials for this race go, her effort in the Cheshire Oaks behind Dubai Fountain was about as good as it gets and there’s plenty of substance in the theory she may have well won had she obtained a clearer run at a vital stage. Still, Roger Varian’s filly hit the line pretty hard without being unduly punished and with that kindness likely to be paid back in spades as the season progresses, one can expect an immediate pay off in the race that counts the most as far as breeding is concerned. It’s also worth pointing out that she showed an immense amount of stamina and battling qualities to score over a stiff mile on heavy ground as a juvenile, strongly suggesting she has a decent backbone, and other than a potential bogey draw in stall one, she ticks about pretty much every other box.

THAT’S MAD (best price 5-1) ran really well against the stands side track bias at Tipperary last time out and with the potential of being better drawn here tonight, Leanne Breen’s gelding makes plenty of sense from an each-way perspective.

1-18 suggests he’s not one for maximum stakes, but he has been running consistently well of late and considering his first two outings this season have been in a much higher grade, there’s more than a fair chance he can capitalise in this slightly weaker event. Fourth in a hot Curragh handicap on his opening gambit back in March was followed by an equally solid effort at the Limerick Junction venue 45 days ago and with the usual high numbers dominating over the straight five-furlong course yet again, his performance from stall 3 has to upgraded. Drawn in the same box tonight, hopefully a decent break will see him track the pace towards the inside and delivered with a well-timed challenge at the business end.

It’s always handy to have solid C&D in the bag at this unique track and as BIMBLE (best price 3-1) fits that criteria rather nicely, Henry Candy’s filly makes quite a bit of appeal at the morning odds.

A smooth winner on her first start at the Sussex venue last season, the daughter of Acclamation found the combination of seven-furlong and heavy ground all against her on her return visit on her final outing of the campaign. Back on her favoured surface here last time, she only succumbed to another track specialist in the shape of Atalanta’s Boy but as she did keep on well towards the un-favoured nearside rail, there was plenty of encouragement to be taken from that effort. Best when taking a lead and brought with a late challenge, hopefully those tactics will be in full working order on her fourth start over her happy hunting ground.