Monday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

BODYGROOVE (best price 5/1) took a huge step forward on all previous performances when scoring at Wolverhampton last time out and with that improvement coming about thanks to a change in plan regarding his correct trip, Richard Spencer’s inmate is fancied to thrive again in this sort of environment.

Up a full half a mile after only showing a modicum of promise on his first run since being gelded, the son of Iffraaj was held up off a strong gallop at the Dunstall Park track and when the pace finally collapsed towards the backend of the contest, he came through best of all to score going away.

Clocking a big number for the grade, it’s good to see the form work out as well as anticipated with the third home, Manxman, winning twice since, and even off his adjusted mark, he still appears well treated on his first attempt at two miles.

PRESENTING LAD (best price 6/1) has really got into his stride during the summer months and following another solid effort in quite a good race for the grade at Cork last week, Mark McNiff’s gelding has a fine chance of adding to his victory at Roscommon a month ago.

Third when keeping on well from the rear at Killarney previously, the seven-year-old was once again given a patient ride at the Mallow venue seven days ago and although he couldn’t quite match the pace of the front two after the last, the way he travelled into the contest and, in turn, pulled well clear of the rest, suggests his current wellbeing is not in question.

Looking at tonight’s line-up compared to what he faced last time, it’s fair to say there doesn’t appear to be the strength in depth from top to bottom and with the ground almost ideal for him to run to maximum capacity (all his best efforts have come on an easy surface), he makes plenty of appeal as a strong each-way proposition with most firms paying five places.