Monday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Depending on which side of the fence you sit, there’s a good deal of merit to be taken from the last time out performances of both HANSARD (best price 6/4) in victory and Master Chewy in defeat, but at the prices, the former makes the more appeal. 

A bumper winner for Charles O’Brien in Ireland, the son of The Gurkha was picked up by new connections for 48k at the Tattersalls Cheltenham sale and on the evidence of his most recent display, it’s safe to say that bit of business appears particularly shrewd. 

The way he tanked his way through what was a useful-looking novice hurdle at Huntingdon suggested he had a fair engine and to cap off the performance was the turn of foot he exhibited after the last. What he beat probably didn’t amount to much, but either way, it was a decent start for a horse with plenty of scope to go to even greater heights further down the line and today’s test against a good standard bearer should tell us a little more about Gary Moore’s inmate.

GASMAN (best price 7/2) has yet to show his face in three races so far to date but he’s done enough along the way to suggest he could be seen in a better light in handicaps and a chance is taken that turns out to be the case off what looks a workable opening mark. 

A complete no-show on his debut of turf at Newbury back in September, Seamus Durack’s colt fared a little better on the all-weather at Kempton in the first-time tongue-tie and that promise was carried forward to his most recent exploits back at the same track.

Last turning for home in what looked a hot novice event at the Sunbury venue, the son of Cracksman was noted doing some sterling late work in the closing stages, so much so, that his final three furlong splits were only bettered by four other horses in the race. 

Likely to prove better than what we’ve seen of him so far, an opening assessment of 56 gives him a chance to race at a level where there’s unlikely to be any superstars and with today’s extra yardage also seen as a welcome extra, he makes quite a bit of appeal. 

WAKOOL (best price 7/4) found the rigours of an extremely competitive Grade 3 handicap a bridge too far at Haydock last time out, but now heading back in the direction of company he should find a good deal more palatable, Nick Alexander’s inmate can maintain his tremendous record at today’s track.

Not totally disgraced at the Merseyside venue when last seen, he’s better judged on his cosy victory over subsequent winner Sliver Flyer over today’s C&D after a 207-day break and that’s not the first time he’s showed a liking for the Scottish track. 

A similarly easy winner here this time last year, it’s noticeable both performances came under pretty testing conditions, so with seemingly plenty in his favour, the son of Motivator rates the obvious choice.