Tuesday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

A tightly knit affair, but there is every chance course specialist CLEARANCE (best price 11/4) can add to his three previous C&D wins and he deserves to be played accordingly.

A victory over one of today’s main rivals, Enthused, here two months ago cemented his love affair for the west country venue and following another solid effort in defeat on his return visit, he regained the winning thread with convincing display at the last meeting.

In-keeping with how he likes to be ridden, the son of Authorized was held up towards the rear in the early stages and then when asked to engage with the main players heading for home, he stayed on best of all to score going away.

Up in grade today, he will need to raise his game to keep his terrific track record alive, but with conditions once again in his favour, hope is high he will prove equal to the task.

COURTLAND (best price 4/1) easily brings the best recent form to the party thanks to his fine effort in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen and now returning to a course that has served him well in the past, Peter Bowen’s inmate can cast aside any fears there might be over today’s extra yardage.

A dual winner over 2m4f at today’s track during the summer months, his attentions were naturally turned to the big prize at the Lincolnshire venue last time out and if it wasn’t for the amazing late burst of speed from the patiently ridden Born Famous (won since) after the last, the son of Court Cave would have completed the job at hand.

However, the fact both he and the winner pulled well clear of the remainder in a fast speed figure suggested he ran to a career high and with today’s better ground conditions helping negate possible issues over the extra furlong and a half he must encounter, the eight-year-old looks sure to give another solid account.

COOLNAUGH HAZE (best price 7/2) has cut a slightly frustrating figure of late, but with the strong possibility that his new trainer may have worked his magic during the short time he has been in his care, James Owen’s inmate can take advantage of a slight drop in grade.

Placed on all but one of his seven starts during the summer period for old connections, he now finds himself in the care of a trainer who has transformed the careers of the likes of Father Of Jazz and Too Friendly in recent times and on the pick of his best form he has a decent chance of gathering a quick return on the 22k purchase price to secure his services.

A staying-on third to Hiconic over today’s C&D two months ago, he may have prevailed that day had he settled a little better in the early stages and with that part of his game a department his new handler will have no doubt tried to work on in the interim, the son of Lawman rates the most intriguing runner in today’s field.