Friday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

MY BOY JACK (best price 7/2) has to be credited for the way he almost snatched victory from certain defeat at Southwell last time out and with a better rub of the green here this afternoon, Kevin Philippart De Foy’s gelding has a fine opportunity to put matters straight.

Unbelievably it took the son of No Nay Never 23 starts to get off the mark and with the adjustment in headgear seemingly responsible for his change in fortunes, he was well supported to supplement those gains at the Midland venue a month later.

Held up towards the rear from his high draw, the four-year-old immediately faced a stiff task to gun down the more forward-going leader, Blackjack, off the home turn, but such was his finishing kick in the final three furlongs, he ended up getting within a head of the eventual winner at the line.

Much better off in the draw stakes this time around, a decent break will hopefully see the chestnut in the mix from the start and knowing how well he finishes off his races, there’s a decent chance he can improve his win-to-run ratio.

The recruitment that has taken place by the Ann Hamilton stable over the last few seasons has been on par with Liverpool FC in terms of quality and their eye for a bargain, and with DARE TO SHOUT (best price 5/2) looking another cab off the rank based on recent evidence, this exciting grey can continue his progression through the ranks.

Just undone by lack of match fitness tackling the smart Colonel Harry (rated 128) on his rules debut at Newcastle back in January, the son of Martaline went on to prove far too good for the similarly-rated Richhill at Kelso next time and it was at that point he first left the impression he was a potentially useful horse in the making.

Confirming that view to a degree back at Gosforth Park last time without having to exert himself too strenuously, the six-year-old grey has come away from that workout with his opening assessment of 126 untouched and with the view held that he could be a fair bit better than that initial mark, his first dip into handicap company look there for the taking.

FEIVEL (NAP) (best price 7/4) left the impression he might be better served returning to a left-handed track despite a thoroughly plucky effort at Sandown last time out and having already proven his liking for today’s C&D on his previous outing, Stuart Edmonds’ gelding can defy top weight in this slightly weaker affair.

An immediate hit for new connections here a month ago, the son of Le Fou had his stakes significantly raised when asked to tackle a decent-looking Class 3 affair at the Esher venue two weeks later and although he ultimately came up a little short, his performance in chasing home the progressive Mucho Mas still had to go down as a commendable one.

Clocking a smart speed figure in defeat, the eight-year-old also proved he’s just as effective on a soft surface than the terrain he encountered here previously and with his main danger on paper, Lounge Lizard, a morning defector, his task has been greatly simplified.