Andy Holding's Thursday Racing Tips

Given that Hillcrest went on to score by 20 lengths at Wetherby over the weekend, both Our Jet and Limetree Lad are sure to come in for significant support having finished a creditable second and third respectively in that good Aintree maiden hurdle, but PICANHA (best price 4-1) also brings a solid form line to the party from Exeter on his hurdling debut and at the morning odds, he rates the percentage each-way call.

A rare bumper winner for Richard Philips back in 2019, the form of that contest at Exeter has been enhanced by many of the participants subsequently, so it was with some degree of eagerness that was attached to his hurdling bow back at the same track 697 days on. Sent off a well-fancied 11-2 chance, the son of Malinas was settled towards the rear early before making significant headway to sit just behind the leaders coming out of the back straight and even though he maintained his progress throughout the final half a mile, he couldn’t quite get on terms with the smart pair, Ask Me Early and Grange Road. That said, considering what the winner went on to do at Chepstow last weekend, it’s little surprise he had the sufficient stamina to get by such a strong stayer after his lengthy layoff, but at least he proved that all engines are in proper working order and he has a sound foundation to build on for the future. Likely to prove all the better for that initial experience, today’s track – a little closer to home – should suit as well as the underfoot conditions, and he has all the attributes to go well and continue his progress up the ladder.

Lime Drop arrives here on a bit of a roll but she has yet to knock a time figure of any great significance, so she is readily passed over at the prices in favour of FOLLY GATE (best price 3-1), who in contrast, posted a career high effort on the numbers over today’s C&D last time out.

Still a maiden after ten starts, his performance here last time, however, was an altogether better one than any previous attempt and with the speed figure backing up the impression it was a fair race for the grade, a repeat should see him right in the mix. The feature of his display was how easily he travelled throughout and although he just got picked off late on by the well-ridden Mi Laddo, he did manage to pull nicely clear of the other well fancied runner, Gerard Mentor. Up to now best on good ground, conditions should be perfect on his return to the west country venue and with Paddy Brennan taking over in the saddle, he can continue the fine run of form for his handler.

BRAVE SEASCA (best price 11-2) could never lay a glove on the main players at Chepstow on his chasing debut a month ago, but with today’s race looking a totally different kettle of fish entirely compared to the race at the welsh venue, Venetia Williams’ gelding is likely to prove a good deal more competitive this time around.

The trail blazing Witness Protection made sure that novices’ handicap 36 days ago was a baptism of fire for many of the participants but such was the quality of the race, it’s little wonder the likes of Not Available and Amarillo Sky have both gone on to advertise the form in stylish fashion since. Although beaten 30 odd lengths, the son of Brave Mansonnien didn’t perform without promise, he just didn’t have the basis speed on the prevailing conditions to keep up with many who have aspirations to take their game to an even higher level (winner entered in two Class 2 races at Cheltenham at the weekend). Seemingly much better suited to softer ground based on his winning effort at Huntingdon last season, the likely less frantic pace should enable him to hold his position better today and with the strong possibility of his levels of fitness being at a much higher stage of development, a big run is anticipated from this lightly-raced six-year-old.

UNITED FRONT (best price 2-1) readily took care of a useful three-year-old at Lingfield last week and Michael Appleby’s gelding should have nothing to fear facing a similar project here this evening.

Although that victory at the Surrey venue came over 1m2f, he exhibited plenty of pace to dispose of his main market rival in the closing stages and it’s not as if he doesn’t have plenty of solid form over a mile in the can from the past. A good second to the smart Chance at Kempton the time before, the son of War Front clearly comes here in terrific heart and with form figures over tonight’s course of 221, another positive display should be forthcoming.