Andy Holding is back with three tips from today's action.
13:45 Exeter
By her own admission, Emma Lavelle would probably come to the conclusion it hasn’t been a vintage season by her standards, but there have been more encouraging signs of late and for that reason, KING’S THRESHOLD (best price 7/1) is worth more than a second look on handicap debut.
Only mildly promising in two bumper starts, the six-year-old has definite improved his game since having his attentions switched to hurdling and his latest effort at Warwick easily represents his best performance so far to date.
In what appeared a very hot contest at the Midland venue beforehand, the Yeats gelding stayed on in pretty eye-catching fashion to finish on the heels of some useful novices (winner Pikar rated 132) and with the form already beginning to take shape with the fifth horse winning since, the stoutly-bred individual can finally shine over a trip that should suit.
15:30 Pontefract
EY UP IT’S MAGGIE (best price 7/2) arrives here buoyed off the back of landing a competitive heat at Doncaster with a bit to spare and with fitness and liking for today’s track assured, she can better her third place finish in this race last season.
Very well supported to take advantage of a drop in grade on Town Moor, Tony Coyle’s mare still had to overcome a wide draw if she were to prevail but, having travelled well throughout despite having no cover, she assumed command where it mattered most.
Despite that confidence-boosting win, she still remains on a rating below the one which allowed her to pick up the pieces behind Rayong here twelve months ago and from a good draw, it’s hard to see not having a significant say in the final outcome on her return visit.
17:05 Pontefract
BARNEY’S BAY (best price 9/2) has been a busy boy over the winter, racking up quite a lot of place money without winning, and with proven fitness and liking for today’s venue two vital factors on his side, there’s a decent chance his consistency will be rewarded.
A creditable fourth to the useful all-weather performers Anif and Satin Snake at Newcastle two starts ago, the five-year-old improved on that position when chasing home all-the-way winner Airshow at Southwell last time out.
Looking at the speed figures for both efforts, particularly the latter effort, they both come out well in the context of today’s race and now he’s proven he stays a mile just as well as he does sprint trips, the son of Cable Bay can finally put a one in the win column to add to his three two’s at the Yorkshire venue.
