Friday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

SCOTTISH SUMMIT (best price 10/1) is getting a bit long in the fang but even at the ripe old age of 10, he is still showing no proper signs of decay and returning to the scene of his smooth C&D success back in May, Geoff Harker’s inmate can still prove he’s mad for the game.

Looking back at that victory four months ago, the son of Shamardal appeared on the scene as if he had just joined in at the two-furlong pole and from that point onwards, he exhibited a smart turn of foot which allowed him to gradually work himself clear in the closing stages.

Almost replicating similar tactics at York next time, he was a bit below-par on his latest visit to the Knavesmire over a mile, but now back over his optimum trip on ground that suits, the veteran can prove there’s still life in the old dog yet.

WEE CHARLIE (best price 10/1) left the impression the run would do him the world of good at Galway last time out and he is fancied to back up that viewpoint at a track that is likely to play into his strengths.

Off the track for 114 days prior to facing the starter at Ballybrit, Thomas Gibney’s gelding travelled perfectly well until running out of steam on the long climb uphill to the line and in the end, he finished outside of the money in sixth behind track specialist, Teed Up.

Prior to that satisfactory return to action, the six-year-old had looked a progressive handicapper at 0-100 level and his victory at Naas back in March was one that was waiting to happen based on several of his previous encounters.

At his best in a well-run environment over two miles on a galloping track, connections have identified a contest and venue that should suit his eye and with the strong possibility he will be able to see his race out better than he did 26 days ago, he rates a decent each-way proposition at the morning odds.

KYNSA (best price 5/2) just got outrun in the closing stages by an improver here last time out and from a family that suggests a step up in trip could initiate some improvement (dam placed at listed level between 1m6f-2m), Jamie Osbourne’s inmate can make the trip back to the Welsh venue a successful one.

Yet to win in six starts, the daughter of Make Believe, however, has shown progressive form in her last three outings on grass and although beaten when a well-backed favourite 24 days ago, her data in defeat was a big spike compared to all her previous efforts.

Based on that evidence, there is a clear indication that given a test of stamina she is likely to continue a similar path and, in a race, here there doesn’t appear to be too many superstars on show, a victory here would open plenty of options for her going forward.