Monday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

ROGER POL (NAP) (best price 15/8) showed a couple of times in bumpers last season he could have a bright future if he continues to progress in the right manner and with today’s examination seemingly a fair starting point for Jamie Snowden’s inmate, he’s strongly fancied to make a winning start over hurdles.

A winner on his first start for new connections at Worcester a year ago, the son of Shantou proceeded to throw in his only poor performance at Cheltenham at their November meeting but the mere fact he was in a race of that natural – and fancied to go well – is an indication how highly he is regarded.

Since that disappointment, he has gone on to resurrect his career with fine third at Ffos Las and another victory at Huntingdon and with his latter performance showing the kind of attitude that is bound to stand him in good stead for the forthcoming season, a clear round of jumping should see him go close to making the perfect start.

The final of summer sprint series final over today’s C&D two weeks ago could have some bearing on the outcome to this prize and with both DELEGATE THIS LORD (best price 4/1) and MAGNIFICENCE (best price 7/1) strong contenders again based on that form; they are taken against the field.

Th former took his record at the Somerset track to three wins from four start since joining new connections and given the manner of his victory, you’d be a brave man to say he couldn’t add to that impressive tally.

Pricking his ears once charging to the front inside the final furlong, it was almost impossible to know how much he had left in the tank but there’s a good chance he had more in hand than the amount he has been raised and having gone and bagged another potentially favourable draw, it’s hard not seeing having another huge say in the outcome.

The latter has a bit to find with his old rival, but she does have a slightly better draw than she did 16 days ago, and the ground certainly won’t do her any harm either.

A winner on her first start at the track previously, the daughter of Kingman was one of the leading faces to land the main prize on her return visit and although she only played a minor role, she stayed on well enough to offer up plenty of encouragement for the remainder of the season.

HE FITZ IN (best price 7/2) seemingly had his latest race at his mercy at Sligo last week until disaster struck at the last and with connections keen to put that untimely body blow to the back of their minds as soon as possible, the quick turnaround has every chance of being rewarded with the ultimate compensation.

A game winner of a competitive affair at Navan previously, the first-time visor that seemed to make a different that day were back in operation 11 days later and if anything, he travelled even better at the Cleveragh Road venue.

Picking up the running going best of all approaching the last, unfortunately the son of Shantou jumped the last with so much momentum he ended up losing his footing on the other side and decanting his pilot in the turf.

Back over hurdles and over a trip and ground that will suit, the in-form seven-year-old can get deservedly back on track.