Andy Holding is back with two tips for today's racing action at Uttoxeter
16:15 Uttoxeter
A competitive little handicap chase despite the small field, made even more intriguing with the addition of two debutantes in this sphere, GENERAL MEDRANO (NAP) (best price 11-4) and Bubble Dubi to the line-up.
While both have plenty to offer over fences, the former just gains the slight vote on account of his yard being in better form and he certainly appeals as one who could easily be a good deal better than his current mark further down the line.
A convincing winner over the useful Topley at Fontwell back in February, Emma Lavelle’s inmate went on to compete with distinction in three smart handicaps thereafter and with the latter of the trio coming in the final of the novice series run by bet365 at Sandown two months later, it was a performance that suggests he can cope with the big heads.
A sizeable gelding typically associated with the yard, hopefully the six-year-old will prove fit enough to do himself justice after a 162-day layoff.
While Only Money is respected, a greater threat is likely to emerge from Bubble Dubi who travels well and had some progressive form over hurdles last season. All in all, a contest worth noting for the future.
16:45 Uttoxeter
R BERNARD (best price 9-1) failed to land a discernible blow to the two main players over today’s C&D on his first outing of the season, but as the time figure and subsequent form showed by the runner-up next time all suggested he faced an impossible task, he probably deserves a little more respect than the market affords him in this weaker-looking affair.
In contention heading off into the country for the final time at the Midland venue, Sam Allwood’s gelding nodded badly at the first fence down the back straight and from that juncture he never truly looked happy with life on his first start for 145 days.
Despite that mid-race crisis, he still managed to run on stoutly enough to finish an honourable third and considering the front pair were knocking out fractions better than the two-mile handicap chase on the same card, it wasn’t a badly effort in the grand scheme of things.
Returning to the same venue likely to be a good bit shaper in all departments, the son of Norse Dancer makes a fair bit of each-way appeal.
