Andy Holding is back with two tips for today's action, with runners at Newmarket and Hamilton.
15:45 Newmarket
Things just didn’t quite work out for CROWNING (best price 7/2) at Yarmouth last time out but it was still an encouraging run nonetheless and, with expected improvement to come, she is afforded another chance to prove she’s a good bit better than what she’s shown so far to date.
Well supported to build on a promising debut at HQ on her only start as a two-year-old, James Ferguson’s filly unfortunately found herself on the back foot at the seaside track courtesy of a rough stalls exit and although she did her level best to try and rectify the situation in the latter stages, the dye was already cast.
The way she finished off her race, however, pointed towards a filly not to totally dismiss out of hand just yet and with the likelihood of her being all the better for that initial outing after a 228-day break, the daughter of Oasis Dream should be capable of holding her own against the two other big players in the market.
20:00 Hamilton
ABATE (NAP) (best price 5/2) did best of those drawn towards the nearside rail at York last time out and having visited the winners’ enclosure the last time he faced tonight’s C&D, a return to the Scottish track should see Adrian Nicholls’ gelding put up a bold show in his bid to get back in the groove.
Arriving on the Knavesmire on the back of two quick-fire wins, the seven-year-old was sent off one of the market leaders in his bid to land the hat trick but unfortunately for him and his supporters, his high draw counted heavily against him and try as he might, he ended up having to play a minor role.
That said, it was still a fair effort from a horse who clearly remains in good form and with a drop back down to the minimum trip not seen as any major negative, his usual attacking ride from the front can see him a tough nut to crack.
