Tuesday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

MS EAGLETON (best price 7/2) did remarkably well to defy the coffin box draw at Ballinrobe last time out, so despite being handed the outside gate for the second time in succession, confidence is high Hilary McGloughlin’s filly can repeat the dose.

Runner-up twice at Cork and Listowel, the daughter of Free Eagle looked to have solid claims in her bid to finally get off the mark at the Mayo venue 22 days ago, it was only the draw which was the possible stumbling block. However, she soon banished any negative thoughts beforehand with a decent break from stall 16 and once she worked herself into a position behind the leader True Artist, she always looked like she was going to land the prize.

Staying on strongly inside the final furlong, she swept by the pacesetter with ease and in running out a comfortable length-and-a-half winner, she also posted a smart time for a race of its kind.

Having helped overcome a tricky situation last time, regular pilot Billy Lee will once again be called upon to try and navigate a smooth passage from gate 12, but providing he work his mount into a position whereby she doesn’t expend too much energy, the lightly-raced three-year-old can be seen to good effect on handicap debut.

VULCAN (NAP) (best price 2/1) sent the speed gun dial spinning out of control when scoring at Newcastle last time out and hailing from a stable who have supplied a steady stream of winners since, the Free Eagle gelding can provide his Kimpton handler with another success.

Having just his third start from his new base, Ralph Beckett’s gelding was fancied to back up his previous eye-catching display at Haydock and in what turned out to be a very strongly run race at the Gosforth park venue, he came through powerfully in the closing stages to land some tidy bets.

Clearly, well-suited by a sound tempo over 1m2f on the evidence of his latest effort, the sight of Bad Company in tonight’s line-up should ensure he gets another chance to shine on a surface that now offers up many different options for him going forward.

Despite giving away a considerable amount of ground by jumping to her right, KENTFORD MALLARD (best price 5/1) still ran out a convincing winner over tonight’s C&D last time out and even with the likelihood of her party piece happening again, Seamus Mullins’ mare is fancied to maintain her unbeaten record at the Midland venue.

A smooth winner of a mares’ handicap over 2m4f on her first visit here last season, she was even more impressive in doubling up over half a mile further 15 days ago and it’s also worth pointing out her time figure wasn’t too shabby either. Amazingly, all four of her career wins have now come going left-handed, and hailing from a yard that continues to go well during the summer months, the daughter of Sulamani rates a strong each-way choice at the morning odds.