Thursday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

NO MORE PORTER (NAP) (best price 11/4) ran his absolute face off from the coffin box draw in the valuable BMW Mile two days ago and having been gifted a much more favourable stall position in the ballot this time around, Ado McGuinness’ inmate looks to have gilt-edged opportunity to go one place better. 

Drawn 20 of 20 in one of the most keenly contested handicaps of the week, his chances of landing his long-term plan were minimised by a huge degree, but despite having to use up petrol just to hold his position in the early part of the race, he somehow managed to find extra reserves for the climb up the hill to the line.

Only just pegged back by the more conservatively ridden Coeur D’Or, the five-year-old had to be carried out on his shield and with the strong possibility that a good break from the inside gate will see him travelling best of all turning for home, he is likely to prove hard to stop if the gaps open at the right time in the straight. 

NELDA (best price 10/1) was arguably a shade unlucky not to lose her maiden tag over today’s C&D two days ago, but with that effort in defeat likely to have done her the power of good in terms of experiencing this unique track, the decision to come back and have a crack at some valuable black type can be handsomely rewarded. 

Only beaten six lengths by the smart filly Zarinsk in a Group 3 contest at Fairyhouse previously, it was easy to see why Jessica Harrington’s inmate was well-fancied to take advantage of what looked a good opportunity on paper but as things transpired, she couldn’t quite get the job done in a bit of a tactical affair (modest time figure).

That said, she finished off her race with such purpose, she remains one to keep on side and hailing from a stable who have already enjoyed plenty of success already this week, the daughter of Dark Angel can go a long way to add to the tally.

Novus was always likely to be a popular choice given his excellent effort here earlier in the week but from the same stable, ALPHA CRUCIS (best price 12/1) should not be overlooked and at the morning odds, he rates a decent each-way alternative to his better-fancied rival. 

In cracking form in the early part of the campaign, he looked for all the world as if he was going to follow up his easy success at Windsor only to be cruelling robbed in the dying strides by the fast finishing Expressionless but at least it was another effort that suggested he really enjoys soft underfoot conditions.

Not so effective over seven-furlongs on the all-weather when last seen, he now returns to a mile on a more favourable surface and with the strong likelihood this race has been his target for some time given his set of connections, the lightly raced three-year-old is fancied to outrun his morning odds.

A typically wide open-looking Galway Hurdle with a whole multitude of permutations but both GLAN (best price 10/1) and MIGHTY TOM (best price 14/1) have all-important C&D form to call on and, as a result, they are taken against the field.

The former luckily sneaks in as first reserve which is no doubt a massive relief to connections as she arrives here in terrific shape. A smooth winner over hurdles at Listowel two starts ago, she has since bolted up on the Flat at Roscommon and with several in behind her that day, such as Banned and Ash Tree Meadow, both going on to advertise the form regally since, she has a decent chance of upholding positions with Filey Bay, who finished well down the field that day. 

A staying-on fourth in this race last season, another big run looks on the cards from Gordon Elliott’s mare with yesterday’s winning Plate jockey seen as a bonus. 

The latter has his quirks by he also has a bucketload of talent and with Denis O’Regan on board, he could well give his small stable plenty to cheer about.

A promising third at the Punchestown festival on his first start since leaving Thomas Cooper, the eight-year-old was nicely backed to land a stronger race at Killarney 81 days ago, and after travelling like the wrath of God throughout, he strode clear late on to score with any amount in hand. 

Saved for today’s race ever since and a previous C&D winner, a likely patient ride can see the son of Dylan Thomas arrive there at the business end with every chance. 

SLY MADAM (best price 11/2) doesn’t have the most appealing form figures of late, but it has not been all doom and gloom so far this season and with conditions in her favour, she can add to her impressive track record.

2-2 at today’s Surrey venue, the latest of which came on heavy ground, Sheila West’s mare didn’t run too badly at Ascot last time considering she was posted out in the cheap seats on a day where the stands’ side rail dominated proceedings and she was only just denied victory at Windsor the time before.

More interestingly, on the two times she has encountered soft ground she has managed to run her best figures and with some firms offering three places on tonight’s contest, she is worth a small each-way interest to see whether she can return to winning ways back at a course that really suits.