Friday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

There’s a good chance Ree Okka will prove better than his current mark over fences at some stage, but he does face a rival in the shape of TIDE TIMES (best price 3/1) who seems to come alive at today’s track and for that reason, Ian Williams’ grey gets the vote at the morning odds.

Winner of his first two starts at the Shropshire venue at the turn of last year, the son of Vinnie Roe has been a little quieter so far this term, but there were encouraging signs here last time and hopefully that progression will be carried forward to today’s assignment.

Some way off the pace turning for home 37 days ago, the nine-year-old impressed with the way he stuck to the task in valiant fashion to get within striking distance of Laskalin and with the speed figure pointing towards him running a career high, he deserves a bit more praise than was afforded him at the time.

Clearly a strong stayer at the trip and off a mark that he’s capable of being competitive, hopefully his proven stamina and experience of today’s sharp track can tip the balance in his favour.

It’s difficult to ascertain where ALGIERS (best price 4/1) sits among some of the locals, but if his most recent performance at Lingfield is anything to go by, Simon & Ed Crisford’s gelding should be more than capable of holding his own.

Only eighth of 16 in last year’s Golden Mile on Dubai World Cup night, the son of Shamardal has improved immeasurably in the interim and that progression was highlighted with his superb display in the Churchill Stakes at the Surrey venue back in November.

In what turned out to be an incredibly strongly run affair (track record), the six-year-old looked as though he’d got the race in the bag as he swept to the front and went clear off the home turn but unfortunately for him and his supporters, he succumbed to the late thrust of the well-fancied Missed The Cut in the dying strides.

That said, the speed figure he posted in defeat suggested his much better than a listed performer on an artificial surface and having proven himself over a mile on dirt out in the desert last season (Jebel Ali) a good break and decent early track position should see him put up a bold show.

ELIGIBLE (NAP) (best price 15/8) is building up a nice reputation for himself over today’s C&D and following his best performance so far to date, another notable success looks on the cards.

A cosy winner on his first visit to the Midland venue back in October, the feature of that performance was the resulting data off the clock and off the back of that run, it was no surprise to see him sent off favourite to repeat the dose at Newcastle next time. Unfortunately, the combination of a totally different track and six furlongs didn’t play into his strengths, but he soon cast that disappointment to one side when he returned to Colwick Park a month later.

Once again held up towards the rear of a competitive field, the son of Dark Angel made rapid ground to race on the heels of the leaders approaching the final furlong and then when asked to go and seal the deal late on, he found a ready turn of foot to win with a bit to spare.

The fact he’s managed to come from last to first in field sizes of 13 suggests today’s line-up of just eight runners should mean he’s not so far behind at halfway and knowing how well he finishes off his races, it will take a good one to stop him once he’s in full cry.