Tuesday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

PRIMOS COMET (best price 15/8) would have no doubt got his latest race in the steward’s room in other jurisdictions around the world, but that debatably view aside, Jim Goldie’s gelding has a golden chance to make amends over a C&D he knows like the back of his hand. 

Agonisingly touch off here on his penultimate outing, the seven-year-old was given a chance by the handicapper to race in a lower grade at Doncaster a week later and if it wasn’t for being carted right across the track by the winner Dusky Prince, he would have surely obliged. The way he finished off his race after being slammed dunked over on the far rail, however, points towards a veteran still showing the flushes of youth and having scored at the Scottish venue on no fewer than five times, the son of Orientor arrives here in prime form to make in six. 

LOOK DON’T TOUCH (best price 6/1) is still awaiting his first success, but there have been more encouraging signs of late and, with one of those improved runs having taken place over today’s C&D, there’s a decent chance Dermot Mcloughin’s gelding can make up for that agonising defeat back in May. 

Hampered early on his first visit to the Mayo venue, the son of Imperial Monarch impressed with the way he worked his way into a challenging position approaching the last and even though he couldn’t quite get the job done in the closing stages, his effort in trying to maintain the initiative deserves plenty of praise. More than a shade unlucky on his latest outing at Cork where he was virtually wiped out at the fourth last, the form of that race 11 days ago has already been boosted by Swelltime (finished a length behind the selection) and with tonight’s ground not quite so taxing as it was here two months ago (rode very slow), the top weight rates a fair each-way play at the morning odds.

ISLAND MAHEE (NAP) (best price 2/1) arrives here in the form of her life courtesy of her most notable success so far to date and with tonight’s test appearing to be an even easier one on paper, it would be a slight surprise if the eight-year-old mare weren’t able to take advantage. 

A pretty consistent performer over the last two seasons, Shane Crawford’s inmate finally gained her due rewards for a series of fine placed efforts at Cartmel last time out and with the time figure also pointing towards an effort of some repute, it makes sense to stay loyal to the reliable mare. Moreover, the form from the Cumbrian venue has been boosted by the likes of Beyond The Clouds, Snookered and Vocal Duke since and with tonight’s trip and track with a bit of ease in the ground (heavily watered) all set to suit, there’s an argument to be made she should be clear favourite.