Saturday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Twirling was always likely to catch the attention of bookmakers and punters alike, but today’s assignment might prove a little more problematical than her odds suggest and MEASURED MOMENTS (best price 7/2), who could easily turn out to be the joker in the pack, rates the value alternative.

A dual winner over a mile at Wolverhampton last season, John Butler’s inmate returned to same C&D 13 days ago in a bid to enhance her track record and if it wasn’t for not receiving the clearest of runs down the home straight, she may have lowered the colours of the short-priced favourite Eagle Day.

Clearly in decent shape based on the evidence of that strong performance both visually and on the clock, the daughter of Time Test, who has a decent turn of foot at this level when on song, will hopefully find herself in a position whereby she can be competitive turning for home.

FAMOUS BRIDGE’s (best price 11/4) jumping stood the test when the pressure was on over today’s C&D last time out and having proven he has what it takes to cope with races at this level, Nicky Richards’ gelding is strongly fancied to continue his progression up the ranks.

Not seen to best effect when the combination of 2m4f and a sloppy jumping display caught him out at Ayr previously, the seven-year-old found a much better rhythm when upped significantly in trip here last time and although his winning margin was only a length, he left the impression he had a bit more in reserve if needed.

A type for whom you could easily see flying these successful Grand National winning colours to success in the Aintree extravaganza in years to come, the son of Fame And Glory’s thirst for a proper stamina test can once again be quenched.

Several of these are closely matched, none more so than TRIPLE TRADE (best price 11/4) and Cap Du Mathan but as the former has the slightly more convincing profile of the pair, Joe Tizzard’s inmate receives the vote to continue his consistent run of form.

Arriving here last time following an authoritative display at Cheltenham, the seven-year-old faced a much sterner task on paper but despite being up against the likes of Boothill, Frere D’ Armes and Saint Segal, who all held solid form in top quality, two-mile handicaps, he acquitted himself with great credit.

Keeping on well once headed two out, he ended up posting by far his best numbers based on the clock and with today’s slightly easier ground and extra distance likely to play more into his strengths, anything other than a major showing will be hard to fathom.

This season’s Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham looked an above-average renewal on paper beforehand so for IBERICO LORD (NAP) (best price 3/1) to win in the manner he did suggests he’s a horse not a million miles off Graded level and based on that theory, he remains one to keep firmly on side while still learning his trade in handicaps.

Well supported in the build up to the race a month ago, Nicky Henderson’s inmate settled nicely just in behind the pace and when brought with his challenge rounding the home turn, he produced an irresistible run that carried past his rivals up the hill.

Winning with more in hand than the bare result suggested, the form of the strongly run affair has worked out extremely well since (both Sonigino and Go Dante won big handicaps recently) and having seemingly done well to avoid any serious damage to his short-term prospects, just an 8lb adjustment is extremely unlikely to derail this talented individual from landing his second big pot of the campaign.