Friday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

A cracking handicap for the grade with several improvers on an upward curve on show and of the select quintet, MENAI BRIDGE (best price 5-2) makes the most appeal at the morning odds. 

Victorious on his first visit to today’s all-weather surface, Charlie Hills’ gelding made it 2-2 when capturing a competitive round of the new racing league competition on only his second attempt beyond a mile and considering he had to endure a pretty wide trip in what turned out to be a very strongly run affair, his performance deserved extra praise. Not seen out again until returning to action at Wolverhampton earlier this month, the son of Cable Bay was well supported to carry on where he left off, but unfortunately for his legion of fans, the race at the Dunstall Park venue turned into a bit of a dash to the line and he just came out third best in a wild finish. Likely to be all the sharper for that first outing for 184 days, the four-year-old can more than hold his own against two similarly progressive types from his own age group in the shape of Old Port and Emblem Empire. 

MIDGETONAMISSION (best price 4-1) has been in terrific form throughout the winter period and following another solid effort at Chelmsford last time out, confidence is high David Evans’ filly can continue the good work. 

Back-to-back wins at Lingfield and over tonight’s C&D set up a possible hat trick at the Essex track two weeks ago and although she couldn’t quite achieve the feat, she still went down all guns blazing. Held up in her usual patient fashion, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor still had plenty to do as the field rounded the home bend, but she stayed on in such relentless fashion that she managed to get within a nose of the eventual winner at the line. Likely to adopt similar tactics once again, tonight’s track does offer more hope for a horse with her run style and she’s expected to be right in the thick of the action when they are dishing out the medals. 

LIGHT UP OUR STARS (best price 4-1) turned out to be a hostage to how the race panned out at Chelmsford last time out, but he did more than enough to suggest he’s worth another chance returning to a track where he has a much better record. 

Although the gallop was reasonable at the Essex track 14 days ago, Tony Carroll’s gelding had the best part of six to seven lengths to make up on the main players as they turned for home and even though he managed to whittle down the deficit to under two lengths at the line, the dye was cast regards winning. Twice a winner on tonight’s surface, his best performance came over the C&D back in December when he came through off a strong gallop to score decisively and with the distinct likelihood of another sound pace here again tonight, the son of Rip Van Winkle should be in his element. 

Four of tonight’s participants ran here nine days ago, so it’s a good race to assess, and of the quartet, SUMMIT STAR (best price 9-4) easily makes the most of appeal based on the numbers. 
Returning to the fray after a 63-day break, the daughter of Sea The Stars travelled extremely easily in behind the strong gallop set by Power Drive and once given the office to go and seal the deal inside the final two furlongs, she came clear in ready fashion to score by four lengths. Winning in the style of a horse way better than her rating at the time, Sheila Lavery’s filly will obviously have to improve again to compete with several here tonight who have been competing at a higher level, but given her overall time figure and backend sectionals were better than the likes of Dalvey and Bowerman, there’s every chance she can prove equal to the task.