Friday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Rizg created a favourable impression when winning on his debut at Yarmouth last season, but the same can be said about LETHAL NYMPH (best price 11-10), and because Clive Cox’s gelding has the benefit of a recent outing, he makes slightly more appeal at the morning odds. 

Very strong in the market despite being up against the more experience previous winner Fly To Glory, the son of Lethal Force always gave his supporters the feeling they were on to a good thing given the way he broke and travelled in the early stages and then when it came to putting the race to bed, he showed the sort of professionalism of a horse belying his lack of knowledge. Exhibiting a smart turn of foot inside the final two furlongs, the three-year-old pulled right away from his toiling rivals, including the short=priced favourite, and it was good to see in the post-race analysis that his time figure backed up the visual impression of the display. Half-brother to four winners, including the very smart River Nymph, there’s every chance, therefore, the latest line in the successful family will transfer his initial ability to turf and if today’s morning favourite isn’t quite fully tuned up after his 260day break, this fella is fancied to capitalise. 

I’M A STARMAN (best price 9-2) produced a career-high performance when runner-up to the useful Blairgowrie at Newbury last time out and a repeat of something similar should see Mark Rimell’s gelding go close to ending a long losing run for his stable.

An unconsidered 16-1 chance in a what looked a competitive contest at the Berkshire venue, the nine-year-old worked himself into a position whereby he held every chance all the way down the straight and even though he burst every sinew to try and get on terms with the eventual winner, he ended up having to settle for a gallant second. However, the subsequent efforts of those in behind that day, such as Grangeclare Glory, Arthur’s Seat, Blame The Game and Sheldon, all suggest the form is very strong for the grade and with today’s contest nowhere near as good quality-wise, the son of Schiaparelli should give a good account at a track where he has performed well in the past.