Sunday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

KING OF THE STORY (NAP) (best price 9/2) looked a totally different model at Fontwell last time to the one witnessed previously and with the form of his smooth victory working out a treat since, Polly Gundry’s gelding rates a confident choice to follow up.

Pulled up before three out on his first run for over a year at Uttoxeter back in July, the son of Yeats was dropped back in trip in the hope the intermediate distance of 2m5f would suit him better and to the surprise of punters and bookmakers alike, the change of strategy worked the oracle.

Noted going extremely strongly coming out of the back straight, the seven-year-old picked up the running after three out and from that juncture, he showed a ready turn of foot to pull well clear of his rivals. Clocking a very good overall time for the grade, it’s also worth noting he ran the final circuit 4.9 seconds quicker than the 119-rated Tango Echo Charlie over the same C&D and with the runner up and third both going on to suggest the form is totally believable (1-2 at Newton Abbot Friday), there is every reason to suggest the handicapper has seriously underestimated him by only raising 5lb to a mark of 79.

With 330k on the table to the winner – almost three times the amount for the UK version – it’s unsurprising all the big boys are out to play in the Irish Cesarewitch and despite the presence of quite a few with sexy profiles, this potential slog given the forecast might just suit an older, more established horse in the shape of DROP THE ANCHOR (best price 22/1).

One of the oldest members of the party, the nine-year-old proved that he still has plenty to offer with his success over similar types to what he faces today in last season’s two-mile Irish November Handicap and although he has failed to shine in three subsequent starts over hurdles during the winter, there were more encouraging signs from his latest exploits back on the Flat.

Never likely to be a factor over the extended seven-furlong trip at Tipperary following a 146-day break, the son of Shantou caught the eye with the way he finished off his race and with that initial outing likely to have served the purpose of bringing him on nicely in terms of sharpness, a return to a trip more in keeping with his overall profile can see him easily outrun his odds.