Monday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

SIRONA (best price 4/1) has already proven she’s up to this sort of level by scoring in convincing style in Germany last time out and with today’s ground also not alien to her, a big run is anticipated from Charlie & Mark Johnston’s filly.

Seriously impressive when making just about all the running at Beverley back in August, the daughter of Soldier Hollow was aimed at a valuable target at Goodwood for her next start and although she put in a decent shift at the Sussex venue, she didn’t quite have enough to contain the skills of the ill-fated Munch on the day. However, the subsequent form and speed figure of the race in question suggested she wouldn’t be out of place in something more meaningful and as it turned out, that notion was borne out in Cologne 22 days ago. Once again setting solid fractions from the front, she readily brushed aside her six rivals and with similar tactics likely to be employed again this afternoon, this likeable juvenile can round off her season in style.

GINGER JAM (best price 8/1) isn’t always the most straightforward of rides (has to be delivered late), but as we saw here last time out, there’s no denying his ability when things fall his way and a chance is taken on Nigel Tinkler’s inmate delivering the goods over a track that clearly plays into his strengths.

A narrow-margin winner at Carlisle earlier in the campaign, two indifferent performances ensued, but returning to a stiff track and a well-run race, he bounced back in the right direction with a victory over an extremely competitive field. Once again produced late, the son of Major Cadeaux got up in the dying strides and with today’s contest likely to be run in a similar fashion, it’s rather surprising to see him not chalked up as one of the leading contenders. 

Not a race to go overboard about but should BRAZEN DIAMOND (best price 2/1) put in the sort of shifts she has been of late, there’s a decent chance she can add to her two previous course victories. 

Yet to finish out of the money on all five starts at the Dunstall Park venue, Robyn Brisland’s filly broke her duck on her fourth career outing on her first attempt at seven furlongs and despite dropping down in trip next time, she proved good enough to follow up. Placed on her last two starts over tonight’s C&D, her attitude and application couldn’t be faulted and although you’d be hard pressed to suggest she’s exceptionally well treated, she has enough credit in the bank to warrant an interest on account of her numbers and vital track experience.