Royal Ascot Tips: Andy Holding's Friday Racing Tips

Royal Ascot Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Little Big Bear came roaring back to form back under his optimum conditions at Haydock last time out and, having already proven himself suitable to today’s track with victory in last year’s Windsor Castle, it is no surprise to see Aidan O’Brien’s colt trading at such a short price. Because he takes out such a huge chunk in the market, however, value seekers have plenty of options from an each-way perspective and of those quoted at big double-figure odds, OCEAN QUEST (best price 16/1) and MARBAAN (best price 33/1) make the most appeal in relation to their form.

The former must be considered unlucky not to unbeaten this season and having proved himself over a stiff six furlongs on more than one occasion, Jessica Harrington’s colt deserves more than a second look. Undone by the draw at Naas last time out, the way he finished off his race suggested he was probably the best horse on show and with his time figures in both his two starts this season reading well on paper, there is a fair chance he can provide his handler with more excitement here this week.

The latter probably would not jump off the page for many, but he did run extremely well against the older horses in a hot contest and repeat of something similar might just be good enough for Charlie Fellows’ inmate to finish in the money.

In a race which was noted for its strong pace, the son of Oasis Dream kept on well all the way to the line and having run well over today’s C&D on his seasonal bow when probably in need of the run, everything points to a performance out of line with his morning odds.

The form of the Aidan O’Brien horses here this week shows no sign of abating and the master of Ballydoyle looks to have a strong hand in this fillies’ handicap in the shape of Jackie O and UNLESS (best price 20/1). Stable jockey Ryan Moore has decided to opt for the former, which seems logical based on her form at Group 1 level, but that does not necessarily mean the latter should be completely cast aside and at the prices, she makes plenty of each-way appeal.

Frustratingly still a maiden after six starts, the daughter of Justify finally gained her due rewards for a series of fine placed efforts at Navan a month ago and in doing so she recorded a smart time figure for a race of its kind. Staying on strongly at the Co Kildare venue, she beat two horses who have both gone on to boost the form subsequently and with tomorrow’s stiff mile likely to play into her strengths, she could turn out to be the joker in the pack if stall 24 is not a negative.

CLAN CHIEFTAN (NAP) (best price 5/2) took a huge step forward on his first start for 170 days at Chepstow last time out and with the increase in trip seen as the main reason for the improvement, Ralph Beckett’s colt rates a confident choice to maintain his progression over this stiff, galloping track.

Nicely backed beforehand at the Welsh venue despite only showing mild promise on his sole start as a juvenile, he stayed on very powerfully in the latter stages to win going away and with the time figure backing up the visually aspect of the display, it is safe to draw a position conclusion to the outcome.

Time may tell HALLA DUBAI (best price 9/2) faced an impossible task up against Embesto at Doncaster last time out and in a race that does not possess any future pattern horses in its midst, Owen Burrows’ gelding can take advantage of what appears a lenient opening handicap mark.

Just touched off by a colt who went on to run a commendable race in the German 2000 Guineas at Linfield two starts ago, he suffered a similar fate on Town Moor last time out, but it was a performance that at least went a long way to rubberstamp his suitability to the grass.

Numbers-wise, the race in question 21 days ago suggested he ran to a very high standard and hailing from a stable who continue to run at a healthy strike rate at present, a decent display should be forthcoming.