Monday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

LULLABY BAY (best price 13-2) would have pleased all concerned with her comeback performance at Pontefract three weeks ago, but when you add into the equation she easily did best of those who raced wide on the track that day, her chances of going one place better here this afternoon increase quite dramatically. 

Much better on her second outing as a two-year-old than on her debut, Karl Burke’s filly was still allowed to be sent off 20-1 for her first outing for 135-days at the Yorkshire venue and although she didn’t manage to shed the maiden tag, she left the distinct impression she wouldn’t have to wait too much longer. In keeping with how the track bias has played out there for quite some time now, the daughter of Profitable didn’t manage to win being stuck on the wing right from the start, but the fact she kept on as well as she did to finish a creditable second says a good deal for his ability and tenaciousness. Bette served by the draw on this occasion, she makes plenty of appeal as a decent each-way proposition at the morning odds.

DARK VEGA (best price 7-2) created a huge impression when scoring over the C&D on her debut towards the backend of last season and even though today’s same trip might end up on the short side for this Irish Oaks entry, she’s still fancied to make her class tell on her opening bow of the new campaign. 
Easy to back in the market in what appeared a strong maiden on paper, Jessica Harrington’s filly had to overcome and a wide trip in order to defy here 22-1 starting price, but with a withering run down the outside, she managed to do so by getting up in the closing stages. Clocking a smart speed figure into the bargain, it’s been no surprise to see the race work out well since and while there’s always an element of guesswork as to how she will go after a long layoff, hope is high she will be fit enough to do herself justice. 

TRULY ACLAIMED (best price 7-4) failed to receive the clearest of passages when an unlucky third here last time, but with the distinct likelihood of lightning not striking twice in today’s smaller field, John Quinn’s gelding is fancied to make amends. 

Beaten by a useful type on the all-weather previously, the son of Aclaim was fancied to make his presence felt in what looked a strong handicap for the grade and but for meeting interference inside the final two furlongs, he would have surely prevailed. Form-wise, the race at the Yorkshire venue has worked out well since and with his only success also coming on the Westwood as a two-year-old, there’s plenty of confidence behind him making it two on his return visit.

High Definition is quickly establishing himself as one of the most overhyped horses in training and on the evidence of what we witnessed here last time, there’s no way he should be favourite again to beat LAYFAYETTE (best price 3-1). 

Conversely to his more illustrious rival, Noel Meade’s gelding continues to be underestimated in the markets, as he was last time despite bolting up at Naas previously, but he keeps defying the overriding perception of him with performances of the highest quality. The way he quickened up from last to first to win going away at the Co Kildare venue was one of a top-quality performer and with virtually everything similar to what it was 22 days ago, the son of French Navy is strongly fancied to confirm his superiority. 

SARCEAUX (best price 9-2) has enjoyed a pretty fruitful winter despite only managing to win once, but as that sole victory came over today’s C&D, there’s more than a fair chance she can repeat the dose with the ground very much in her favour.

Knocking at the door on arrival at the Sunbury venue back in February, Alexandra Dunn’s mare fought hard to get the better of the five-timer seeking Lime Drop in a driving finish and with the runner-up going on to continue her winning sequence next time and the speed figure good, she’s clearly capable of running to a pretty high standard when conditions are in her favour. Backing up that view with an even better effort in defeat at Wincanton last time out, a flat, right-handed circuit on good ground tends to bring out the best in this five-year-old and another big run looks highly likely.