Friday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

CLARENDON HOUSE (best price 5/2) has been knocking at the door in much better races than the one he faces here this afternoon, and he is fancied to impose his class on his five rivals at a track that should play into his strengths. 

It’s not as though flat tracks have been counting against him, but it is worth pointing out that he has a record of 12112 when there has been a stiff, uphill gradient involved and the booking of Billy Loughnane is not seen as a bad thing either. 

So far this season, his form has been solid without winning and his most recent outing when fifth in a hot listed contest at Haydock has been advertised several times since. Prior to that useful effort, Richard Hannon’s inmate ran right up his best when third in the Epsom Dash from a poor draw and a repeat of either performance should see him make a bold bid to get back in the winner’s enclosure. 

You couldn’t fault LITTLEFOOT’s (best price 9/2) commitment to the cause at Limerick last time out and with today’s extra yardage seen as a potential help for the son of Milan, he has a decent chance to shake off his bout of seconditus. 

Runner-up in a point and three bumpers, the five-year-old made his debut over hurdles in what looked a competitive maiden on paper at the Greenmount Park venue two months ago and although he agonisingly filled out the same position again, there appeared nothing wrong with his attitude. Setting out on the final circuit at good ten lengths or so off the speed, he managed to whittle the losing margin down to less than a length at the line and with the time figure suggesting he had run to a far standard, a positive view must be taken over the form. 

Having pushed the smart Willie Mullins-trained Dancing City close on his only previous visit to today’s track, course form is safely tucked away in his memory bank and with his two point-to-point runs and way he has shaped under rules strongly hinting a step up in trip maybe required, everything points towards a bold show on his return to the Newtown Road venue. 

PRINCESS KARINE (best price 9/2) clocked a very smart speed figure for the grade at Carlisle last time out and having gone well on her previous visits to today’s track, there is every chance she can translate her recent endeavours back to the Westwood. 

Placed on her four previous outings this season, Bryan Smart’s filly was a warm order to finally gain her due rewards at the Cumberland venue and, having travelled powerfully from the outset, she readily pulled clear to justify favouritism in the final furlong. 

Clearly well suited by a stiff five-furlongs on a stiff track, quick ground is also important to her chances, so providing the rain stays away from the area in the build up to the race (none forecast), the daughter of Aclaim has every chance of repeating the dose from her favourable draw.