Andy Holding's Sunday Racing Tips

A difficult race to have a confident view of due to the presence of Irish raider Vee Dancer (has been withdrawn several times in recent weeks when well backed in the early morning markets) but either way, there’s a decent chance BLACKFINCH (best price 8-1) will at least run his race and therefore hopefully reward each-way support.

Yet to win in twelve starts, Stuart Edmonds’ has knocked on the door on no fewer than six occasions, and of the latest of his runner-up spots, he arguably posted one of his best ever performances. On a day where the near side rail held a clear advantage, the son of Black Sam Bellamy was one of only a few to run well having raced predominately over towards the swamp on the inside, so therefore his effort in defeat has to be seriously upgraded. Clearly the blinkers used for the first time worked in his favour and having also gone well around today’s course before, the six-year-old has a decent chance of finally breaking his duck.

THE GETAWAY STAR (best price 5-1) was a creditable fourth in a decent listed event over today’s course last time out and with the speed figure suggesting it was an above-average affair, Declan Queally’s mare is likely to go well on her return to the Co Kildare track.

A dual winner over hurdles, the daughter of Getaway has worked her way steadily up the ranks and having found three miles in testing ground a bridge too far at Cork two starts ago, she was much more at home over six-furlong shorter here 21 days ago. In a race run at a sound gallop, the six-year-old just began to feel the pinch as the runners turned for home but despite not having the class to go with the main players late on, she did keep on well to finish at a respectable distance in fourth. Not only was the time good, the third home, Western Victory has gone on to boost the form at Clonmel in midweek and with today’s trip and ground all setting up nicely in her favour, she looks likely to run her race for a stable who are 3-4 in the last fortnight.

Concertista makes her eagerly awaited chasing debut but as today’s trip is likely to be on the sharp side for Willie Mullins’ mare, MAGIC DAZE (NAP) (best price 13-8) receives the vote to put her valuable experience and probably better basic speed to good use.

Shaping though badly in need of the run first time out over a trip which probably stretched her stamina anyway, Henry De Bromhead’s mare was dropped back to two miles over today’s C&D last time out and right from the start she always looked in total control. Jumping exuberantly from the front, the daughter of Doyen soon established a clear lead and from over a mile out, she just steadily kept drawing further clear of Darren’s Hope, who is no slouch by any means. Clocking a fast time, it’s also worth pointing out she ran the last circuit faster than the handicap chase over the same C&D, which is usually a good guide for a novice, and with a similar attacking ride the most likely ploy to be adopted by connections on her return visit, the five-year-old can hopefully take the step up in class in her stride.

ZACONY REBEL (best price 9-4) created a favourable impression when getting the better of a useful field in an above-average novice event at Fontwell last time out and with the form of the race in question working out a treat since, an opening mark of 124 looks exploitable for this lightly-raced type on handicap debut.

Having shown just glimmers of ability on three previous starts, it was hard to see what was about to come at the Sussex venue, but in defeating subsequent winner Haddex Des Obeaux and several other smart novices in the manner he did, clearly suggests he’s improved immeasurably since last season. The way he stayed on in the closing stages of a well-run two miles, indicates he’s perfectly at home in a strongly-run environment and with today’s line-up littered with candidates for the front-running role, it’s easy to see this race setting up nicely in his favour.