Saturday Racing Tips From Andy Holding

Almost a poor man’s version of the Melrose at York several weeks ago in many respects and having run well in that feature on the Knavesmire, ADJUVANT (best priced 13/2) is one of the first names to catch the eye when analysing the likely winners. 

A game winner of a competitive little staying handicap at Newmarket back in July, connections decided to roll the dice in a much better contest at Goodwood next time and although he failed to cut much ice at the Sussex venue, at the same time he was far from disgraced in finishing four lengths behind the winner Secret State – who is now St Leger-bound. Impressing with the way he stuck to the task on the Knavesmire last time, he also proved that he stayed 1m6f really well and with today’s contest likely to provide a similar test, the son of New Bay should prove equal to the task. 

Another who went into the notebook at the very same meeting was THUNDERING (best price 13/2) and he also deserves adding to the conversation of likely winners of this contest. 

The way he finished off his race over 1m4f on the Knavesmire suggested he may benefit from further in future and it could be argued that his effort against the older horses that day is as good as any piece of form on offer. Prior to that smart effort, the improving three-year-old had been a model of consistency over a five-race span and another solid effort looks almost certain to be forthcoming from a horse with a touch of quality.

The withdrawal of Soulcombe has given this 1m6f contest a much more competitive feel, and EUCHEN GLEN (best price 5/1) can prove one of the main beneficiaries from his absence based on his latest endeavours. 
A big eye-catcher behind Trawlerman in a hugely-competitive handicap at Goodwood a month ago, Jim Goldie’s inmate was fancied in many quarters to run a big race in the Ebor at York on his next start and although he failed in his bid to turn around the form with his old rival on the Knavesmire, once again the fickle hand of fate played its part in his demise. Noted travelling well turning for home, the nine-year-old could never really gather up a head of steam due to being constantly stopped in his run and although he managed to do some sterling late work once out in the clear, the dye was very much cast regards to landing the big prize. Clearly in excellent shape on the evidence of those two luckless efforts, the son of Authorized returns to the scene of one his most notable victories in recent times and with today’s race likely to set up nicely with regards to how he likes to finish off his race, a big run looks on the cards from this classy and likable veteran. 
 

FRANTASTIC (best price 13/2) left the impression he wasn’t doing a stroke once assuming command at Newbury last time out and with the cheekpieces added for the first time as a motivational tool, John & Thady Gosden’s colt is fancied to continue his climb up the ranks. 
A winner on debut as a two-year-old, the son of Frankel proven a disappointment behind Westover in the Sandown Classic Trial on his opening gambit to this campaign, but with his sights sufficiently lowered, he’s been able to compete on a much more level playing field. Third on his first foray in handicap company back at the Esher venue next time, he found the relative comfort of a Class 4 event at the Berkshire track much more to his liking two weeks later and with the speed figure he posted coming out very good for the grade, he should be up for being fully effective in today’s tougher assignment. 
 

Ten Ten Twenty is bound to be a popular choice following his smooth success at Worcester than other day, but he does face a stiff opponent here today in the shape of SERGEANT (NAP) (best price 13/8) and Milton Harris’ gelding is fancied to come out on top. 
A little bit of a frustrating character at times, his consistency can never be faulted though, and his latest effort over today’s C&D epitomises both sides of his profile. Held up in typically patient fashion, the son of Nutan was smuggled into the race going well approaching the home turn and then when asked to go and seal the deal on the run-in, he was unfortunate to bump into an opponent who found loads for pressure. Some may argue that in finishing second again for fourth time in five starts that he deserves another black mark against his name, but when you consider the time figure and final lap sectionals he achieved and note that the winner has gone on to prove the value of the form at Newton Abbot in midweek (once again showing a really willing attitude), it’s probably sensible to take a different view. It’s not as if he doesn’t know how to win either. Cast your mind back to this time last season and the five-year-old was racking up a sequence and on the evidence of what we saw of him 16 days ago, career win number 6 isn’t too far away.