Sunday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

SHOULDVEBEENARING (best price 9/2) is going to have to break much better than he did at Goodwood on his debut, but providing that part of his game takes a step in the right direction, there’s every chance the son of Havana Grey will be a potent force here this afternoon.

Well-touted in all the pre-race chat at the Sussex venue, thoughts of him justifying the hype went out the window in a few bounds as he completely fluffed the start, losing upwards of five lengths in the process. To his great credit, he managed to salvage some pride with the way he finished off his race and with the speed figure of the winner one of the quickest we’ve seen so far this season from a juvenile (broke the 2yo track record), Richard Hannon’s colt clearly ran to a fair level. Top of the pile on the numbers coming in today’s contest, it would be a surprise if there were three better than him today from an each-way perspective.

A decent collection of fillies has been brought together for this Group 3 prize and of the small samples of data available about these juveniles, both MATILDA PICOTTE (best price 13/8) and COMRHA (best price 6/1) hold a distinct advantage over the rest of the field courtesy of the maiden run at The Curragh 13 days ago.

The former certainly knew her job at the Co Kildare venue, jumping out of the stalls to race on the engine through the early exchanges and then when asked to really stretch out at the business end, she kept up the strong gallop all the way to the line. Nicely clear of her nearest opponent, there were also big gaps back to the rest – which is usually a sign of a decent race – and with the time figure backing up that view, it’s clear Kieran Cotter’s filly is well-above average. Where the best part of today’s track will be will determine if her stall position in stall one ends up favourable, but providing there isn’t too much of a bias, the daughter of Sioux Nation could take some pegging back if gaining an early uncontested lead.

The latter has two lengths to find on her old rival based on her opening gambit, but Jim Bolger’s filly does have the benefit of another run, and a winning one at that, to call upon in her bid to turn around the tables. More green than the eventual winner on her debut, the daughter of Vocalised was far more professional when making all the running at Roscommon the other night and in typical Bolger fashion, the Coolcullen handler is not frightened to run his horses back quickly after a recent spin. Despite being more likely of the pair to do better over further in time, this scopey filly can still go well enough to be just as effective over six furlongs here today.

STRAIGHT ANSWER (best price 5/2) shaped as though he would be all the better for the run after his first outing for 196 days at Navan last time out, and with lack of fitness no longer an issue when he faces his old rival New York City in their rematch, Ger Lyons’ colt is fancied to gain his revenge.

A smart juvenile, the son of Kodiac ended up his season with a disappointing run in the Group 1 National Stakes, but on the evidence of his comeback effort, he appears to be back in full working order. A colt with tons of scope, he also looks a sprinter through and through and with six furlongs likely to be his optimum trip on a regular basis, thoughts of something like the Commonwealth Cup can be realised.

MID WINSTER (best price 3/1) was entitled to need the outing after a 187-day break at Beverley last time out and she looks poised to better that initial performance with that all-important run under her belt.

Although Paul Midgley’s mare only managed one victory last season, she did run well on numerous occasions in some competitive handicaps, highlighted with her solid effort in the Ayr Silver Cup on her penultimate outing. Faring best of those who raced down the middle that day, the daughter of Burwaaz ran a career high in terms of form and speed figures and hailing from a yard just running into a nice bit of form, she can go well at a track where she fared well this time last year.