Monday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

PRINCE ZALTAR (best price 11/2) has hit a rich vein of form of late and with his latest effort at Ballinrobe strongly hinting he may require a step up to three miles to bring about further improvement, Philip Rothwell’s gelding rates a reasonable proposition at the morning odds to rack up win number three since February.

A game winner of a competitive 2m6f handicap hurdle at Navan in March, he went on to notch up another victory at Killarney over two furlongs shorter a month ago, once again showing admiral battling qualities in the final half a mile to get up close home.

Seemingly unsuited by the tight nature of Ballinrobe last time out in his toughest test to date, he did, however, keep on willingly from two out to finish a close-up fifth and with that effort indicating he remains in decent shape, the six-year-old can maintain his consistency with another bold attempt.

THANKUAPPRECIATE (best price 7/1) has a bit of nasty habit of breaking slowly in recent times, but it still does not prevent him from running to a decent standard and another solid run looks on the cards now stepping back up in trip.

A strong-finishing runner-up to the in-form Democracy Diplomat at Thirsk three starts ago despite a slow beginning, Nigel Tinkler’s gelding got no luck in running when trying to attempt a similar feat at York next time, but he was back on point with a much better return at Beverley last time out.

Once again setting himself a task from the start, he did well in the circumstances to finish a never-nearer third from what appeared an uncompromising position and it was another performance to suggest he remains in excellent heart.

Likely to be towards the rear here tonight, he clearly will need the breaks at the right time but providing they do materialise, he has the turn of foot at the business to be a factor.

GREY FOX (best price 8/1) has not had the chance to show his true worth in two outings so far this season but, a return to one of his most successful venues and better ground should see Emma Lavelle’s grey play a much more prominent role.

Looking in need of the outing on unsuitable soft ground following a 249-day break here a month ago, being forced to challenge wide away from where the main action took place counting against him in the closing stages of a strongly run heat at Doncaster last time out, but at least it was an effort which suggested he was not too far off turning the corner.

A three-time winner over tonight’s course, two of which came over the C&D when the ground was on the fast side, the six-year-old has a better chance than his morning odds imply of adding to that tally if the ground dries out during the day.