Andy Holding is back with two tips from today's action, including a NAP at Gowran Park.
16:03 Gowran Park
Without question, the best race on the card and if SHADOWED (NAP) (best price 5/2) can run to a similar level he did when making a winning return to action at The Curragh recently, there’s a good chance he can repeat the dose.
Good enough to chase home the top-class prospect Augustine Rodin in one of three placed efforts at a juvenile last season, Joseph O’Brien’s inmate was subsequently gelded through the Winter after a slightly below-par defeat at Dundalk.
Back at the Co Kildare venue following a 143-day break, the son of Carravaggio was always to the fore in a well-run seven-furlong maiden and when asked to go and seal the deal in the latter stages, he answered every call to readily clear of the 20-strong field.
Decent on the clock three weeks ago, it’s been good to see the race work out so well with the likes of Something Nice, Bright Legend and Broadhorst all boost the form with wins since, and with ability to handle heavy ground safely tucked away in the memory bank, an attacking ride from the front can pay dividends over a track that favours front runners under such conditions – particular during the early part of a card.
17:30 Lingfield
FORGE VALLEY LAD (best price 6/1) just found the combination of two miles in a hot class 3 event a bridge too far over today’s course last time, but now stepping back into an environment he should find a good deal more palatable, David Simcock’s gelding can uphold his tremendous stats at the Surrey venue.
32332127112 here since joining new connections, the six-year-old failed in his bid to add to those impressive numbers 11 days ago, but he did go well for a large portion of the race and he also kept on well enough in the latter stages to finish at a respectable distance behind the eventual winner.
The type who doesn’t do much when he gets to the front, it will be interesting what game plan Jamie Spencer has in mind for his mount today, but either way, he has a first-class chance on the pick of his form and time figures and a good run should be forthcoming unless it turns into a complete crawl.
