Thursday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Four-year-olds at this point in the season are always quite difficult to assess, but there’s a fair chance JILAIJONE (best price 4/1) remains well treated and he’s strongly fancied to back up that theory on his second start in handicap company.

Seemingly unfancied when making a winning start for new connections at Fontwell back in December, David Pipe’s gelding was much shorter in the betting to duplicate that initial success at Wetherby next time and although he didn’t manage to run to the same level, the way the race panned out that day suited those who were ridden much closer to the pace.

Continuing with the patient, hold-up tactics at Hereford last time out, the son of Walzertakt this time just found one too good in the shape of handicap debutante Half Dozen but, as the time figure of the race suggested it was a fair one of its kind, he by no means took a backward step.

Having proved he can mix it with the older horses at the Midland venue, his options going forward are now quite varied and with today’s conditions a good deal more in-keeping with his UK bow, the progressive juvenile can more than hold his own.

STUMPTOWN (NAP) (best price 7/4) seemed to appreciate better ground when scoring with plenty to spare at Thurles last time out and with connections willing to test the water early to see whether they have a genuine Cheltenham prospect on their hands (Kim Muir mooted as a possible target), Gavin Cromwell’s gelding can make the trip over the Irish Sea a rewarding one.

A big eye-catcher at the same track over 2m2f three starts ago, the son of Laverock was justifiably upped significantly in trip for his next assignment at Punchestown and while he didn’t totally discredit himself, he looked ill at ease on the heavy ground.

Back on a sounder surface at the Co Tipperary venue last time, the six-year-old jumped and travelled a good deal better than he’d done in any of his previous attempts over fences and when push came to shove at the business end, he bounded clear from the last to win by a resounding 12 lengths.

In doing so, it’s worth pointing out he ran the final circuit on par with the top-class Fakir D’Oudairies and with today’s contest having nothing to shout about regarding any sneaky improving types such as he is, it would be a big disappointment if he couldn’t make an impact over a trip that threatens to suit down to the ground.

WHISKEYWEALTH (best price 2/1) ran out a thoroughly convincing winner of a novice chase at Tramore last time out and having already shown a liking for today’s track both over hurdles and fences, a return to the Powerstown Park circuit should see Terence O’Brien’s gelding hard to beat.

Having flirted with distances beyond two miles, connections settled on the minimum trip for his last two starts and following an encouraging run in a hot contest here back in December, he pieced it altogether for an eye-catching success a month later.

Always in control 46 days ago, the son of Yeats quickened right away one of his main rivals today, Golf Marin, in pretty decisive style and in hitting the line hard, he also left the impression that he had loads left in the locker in required.

Strongly fancied uphold the form with his old rival at the very least, he will obviously have to contain Bonnie Kellie as well, but given the shape he appeared to be in last time, confidence is high he can lead it out from the front.

AMRONS SAGE (best price 7/2) does lack a bit of experience compared to some but, with the likelihood of more improvement to come now stepping up in trip, Nicky Henderson’s inmate can hopefully overcome that slight negative and prove to be a good bit better than his opening mark of 115.

A winner of an Irish point, the son of Sageburg has raced exclusively over two miles since sent under rules and on both starts, he has intimated a stiffer test than the minimum would suit.

Unable to match the basic speed of Always Busy at Warwick on his hurdling bow at Warwick, the six-year-old was even more at sea in a better race at Ludlow last time, but he did still manage to run on to finish ahead of subsequent winner Western Zephyr (rated 122) that day and based on that effort alone,  he appears to have escaped relatively unscathed.

Likely to be staying on best of all in the latter stages based on what we’ve seen of him so far to date, the lightly-raced gelding rates one of the most intriguing performers on show in what looks a very competitive finale.