Andy Holding's Friday Racing Tips

SURREY TERRITORIES (best price 15-8) left the impression six-furlongs was an insufficient test here the other day and with connections quick to spot there’s an opportunity for him to prove that theory correct, Brett Johnson’s gelding rates a strong choice to finally ditch the maiden tag. 

Only mildly promising in four runs on turf, his fifth and final effort of last year came on his first attempt on the all-weather and it produced arguably his best performance up to that point. Slowly away, the son of Territories found himself with plenty to do as the field turned for home and although he only made incremental inroads to the main players in the final two furlongs, it was an encouraging run all the same. Kept at the same distance for his latest encounter three days ago, once again a tardy beginning soon put him on the back foot, but this time he finished his race off to even greater effect, getting within a length and a half of the winner as he hit the line. Potentially nicely draw today in stall one, he’s obviously going to have to break more sharply in order to hold his early position, but providing he can work his way in contention before the home turn, the three-year-old should end up being a big player at the business end. 

The race won by Sidi Ismael over today’s course a month ago looked a good one for the grade and, with the winner going on to confirm that view at Market Rasen next time, GERYVILLE (NAP) (best price 11-5) is fancied to do his own bit for the form on his return visit. 

Sent off a 40-1 poke for his UK debut for new connections, Micky Hammond’s inmate defied those huge odds in some style and the numbers he produced in causing that shock strongly hinted it was anything but a fluke. Indeed, the third went on to finish a creditable in the Mandarin Handicap at Newbury next time and even though the son of Rail Link didn’t manage to follow up back at the Yorkshire track next time, trying to go toe-to-toe with the eventual winner in the final mile of a strongly-run three miles ultimately proved a bridge too far. Back in trip and on the ground he’s more than accustomed to, courtesy of his time in his native France, the six-year-old rates the percentage call at the morning odds.