Sunday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

On the evidence of her victory at Tipperary last time out, INCLUSION (NAP) (best price 15/8) looks to have done well to escape with an opening mark of 119 and she’s strongly fancied to press home that theory on her first start in handicap company.

Shaping as though badly in need of the run following a 256-day break at Wexford previously (led down to the last before getting tired), the daughter of Shirocco was well supported to make the breakthrough over fences at the Limerick Junction venue a month later and, having set her stall out right from the outset, she never gave her supporters too many anxious moments.

Jumping and travelling well throughout the 2m3f journey, she could be afforded to be eased down in the closing stages once establishing an unassailable lead and she now looks ready to tackle something more meaningful in terms of opposition.

Fourth in the beginners’ chase on this very same card last season, Willie Mullins’ mare is likely to be less keen that she was on that occasion with two recent runs under her belt and having a (front running) run style that is often complemented by today’s sharp track, she should prove difficult to peg back.

There can be very little doubt Gale Force Maya sets the standard in this listed prize, especially given her track record, but such was the performance of FUNNY STORY (best price 9/2) at Goodwood last time out, Ralph Beckett’s filly makes slightly more appeal as a viable each-way alternative.

Well supported in the market at the Sussex venue beforehand despite being seemingly poorly drawn in stall one, the daughter of Havana Grey also had to forfeit plenty of ground to those housed towards the favoured near rail after being dropped out in the rear in the early stages.

Well behind at halfway as a result, she did remarkably well, therefore, to finish as close behind the first two home as she did and, with the speed figure and subsequent form of the race working out so well since (front two won big handicaps next time), her effort deserves even more praise.

Much better off in the ballot this time around and back on her favoured surface, the three-year-old grey can maintain her trainer’s excellent record with the fairer sex in recent weeks.

The slight cloud hanging over the wellbeing of River Tiber must be a concern for his set of supporters but either way, he will still have to right on top of his game to cope the VANDEEK (best price 6/1) if Simon & Ed Crisford’s colt shows the same qualities he did when scoring at Goodwood last time out.

Taking a huge step up in class to supplement his debut gains, the son of Havana Grey soon settled into a beautiful rhythm in behind the strong pace set by Toca Madera at the Sussex track and once the front runner capitulated heading down to the final furlong, he didn’t need any second invitation to take command.

Although the winning margin was cut down to a length by Ballymount Boy, he left the impression he was value for more having idled a little close home and with the speed figure suggesting he had run to a very high level considering the conditions, he clearly is a colt that packs a huge amount of ability.

Likely to be an even more potent force on better ground than he has encountered so far to date, at least he has shown he possess the aptitude to go through testing conditions and with his high cruising speed likely to carry him deep into the heat of battle, he rates a strong each-way choice at the morning odds.