Thursday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

CHOSEN HERO (best price 5/2) can be considered a bit unlucky to bump into a mare of Lunar Discovery’s quality at Hexham last time out but on the plus side, she put down a reasonable marker for the rest of the season and she is fancied to go one place better over a trip that should suit.

Sweeping to the front on the run down to the last having travelled and jumping supremely well throughout at the Borders venue, it looked like the race was hers to lose until along came Jimmy Moffatt’s highly regarded mare to spoil the party late on. That said, the pair pulled nicely clear of Dangan Cloud, who had run a fine race over the same C&D previously, and with the time figure and final lap sectionals all suggesting it was a fair race of its kind, the form will hopefully stand the test of time.

A three-mile point winner at a very young age and having produced her best form when the ground has been testing, today’s examination over 2m4f on heavy ground will suit her more than most and at the morning odds, she represents reasonable value against a favourite who is unproven under such conditions.

WAY OF LIFE (best price 4/1) has been knocking at the door of late and following another excellent effort over tonight’s C&D last time out, Jonathan Portman’s gelding has been presented with a good opportunity to gain his due rewards on his return visit.

Runner-up on his two previous starts at the Midland venue, including against the useful Fulfilled, the five-year-old was prominent in the market in his bid to go one place better back at the scene of those fine performances and although he couldn’t quite get the job done at his favourite track, the data pointed towards him running a career high.

In the light of such a smart display on the figures, it makes sense to stay loyal to the son of Havana Gold and providing everything goes according to plan, all-weather victory number five isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.