Saturday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

A useful and potentially informative maiden hurdle on paper with the likes of Dr Eggman and Caldwell Potter high on the shortlist of possible winners but having run well in an above average at Naas affair already (very strong speed figure), GORGEOUS TOM (best price 8-1) may just turn out to be the joker in the pack. 

Having his first start for new connections since twice placing in Irish points, the son of Champs Elysees soon found himself in a position early in the race whereby he was unlikely to take a hand in the finish at the Co Kildare venue and although that viewpoint ended up as reality, his performance still bears the closest inspection. 

Upwards of 20 lengths or more behind going down the far side, the five-year-old easily fared those who couldn’t live with the brutal early gallop set by King Of Kingsfield (runner-up in a Grade 1 since) and with the way he stayed on in the final half a mile strongly hinted he is the type who may do better over a longer trip further down the line. 

That said, the numbers he posted in defeat reads well for a race of its kind – suggesting he is by no means short of boot - and even though stable jockey Rachael Blackmore has decided to ride Catena Zapanta instead, Henry De Bromhead’s inmate is fancied to get the better of that little joust at the very least.

SLADE STEEL (NAP) (best price 7-4) created a very favourable impression when capturing a strong maiden hurdle at Naas last time out and with connections deciding to come here and tackle 2m4f for the first time rather than the Grade 1 Royal Bond over the minimum trip at Fairyhouse last week, that potentially wise move deserves to be backed up accordingly. 

A smart bumper performer last season, Henry De Bromhead’s gelding was one of several fancied to make a mark at the first time of asking over hurdles at the Co Kildare venue and, in what turned out to be a proper test at the trip, he came through his initial examination with flying colours.

Staying on with great determination in the latter stages, the son of Telescope suggested stamina is very much his key component and hailing from a stable who took this race last season with Inthepocket, one would like to think they have some idea this promising type is in the same class. 

PERCUSSION (best price 6-1) was a creditable third behind Ashtown Lad in this race last year and with the prospect of more testing conditions likely to suit Laura Mongan’s inmate a shade better on their rematch, he rates the percentage call at the morning odds. 

Like the previous year, the eight-year-old arrived at the Merseyside venue following a long summer break but just as he did on his first attempt over the daunting fences, he produced a high level of form, chasing home one of his old rivals Gesskille in the Grand Sefton over 2m5f. Once again jumping soundly, if sometimes to his left, the son of Malinas kept on well in the closing stages despite never looking like he was going to reel in the all-the-way winner, but it was another performance to strongest suggest one of these big races deserves to go his way at some point. 

Good to soft here twelve months ago, his one paced galloping style will be better suited to the heavy ground in place this afternoon and barring accidents, it’s hard not to see him having a huge say in the outcome.

If the forecast turns out to be an accurate guide, the Esher venue will be at its most testing today and with very few who can lay claim to welcoming such conditions, RED ROOKIE (best price 12-1) might be capable of causing a bit of an upset back over hurdles. 

Emma Lavelle’s inmate has developed into a smart handicap chaser over the last few seasons but his run at Ascot last time out suggested he might need a different approach to get his confidence back. Ballooning his fences rather than jumping slickly, he could ill afford to be giving ground away to specialist two milers around the Berkshire venue and, as a result, he ended up finishing well down the field. 

Although there’s just a small sample size to work with over hurdles, he was impressive at today’s Esher venue on one of just three starts over timber and with a career record of 3-3 on heavy ground, a chance is taken he can add to his C&D victory.

JOHNNY JAMES (best price 7-2) could be considered unlucky to bump into a well-handicapped improving type over today’s C&D last time out and a run somewhere near the same level should provide Michael Appleby’s gelding every chance of going one place better. 

Breaking alertly at the Midland track, he then raced with the choke out all the way down the back straight but despite those antics, he still managed to keep on well enough for the runner-up spot and in a race that produced an extremely fast time figure, his performance must go down as a thoroughly commendable one.

Lightly raced and open to any amount of improvement, the three-year-old has enough ability to go close providing he settles a little better than he did 26 days ago.