Sunday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

MAHARAJAS EXPRESS (best price 9-2) and CONNIE’S ROSE (best price 10-1) fought out the finish a similar race here last time out and with the data suggesting they had both run to a career high, the percentage call is to stay loyal to the pair returning to the scene of that epic clash. 

The former just seems to have clicked since the fitting of blinkers and following a promising second at Doncaster, he duly gained his just rewards at the Somerset venue three weeks ago. Held up off a strong gallop set by Connie’s Rose, Jack Jones’ gelding came sweeping through from the back of the field to lead at the furlong pole and even though he made slightly heavy weather of getting by the front runner, he ultimately did so with a bit to spare. 

Clearly a horse in the form of his life, similar conditions, and the way the race is likely to pan again point towards him being the one everyone must fear.

The latter, although having a bit to find up against her old rival, must come into the conversation at the very least as her record at today’s track is one of a horse who should never be discounted at her favourite venue.

Four wins here last season, including one on heavy ground suggest she can be very dangerous when allowed to dictate and with that all-important run under her belt, she is unlikely to find wanting in the latter stages like she was 21 days ago. 

Some potentially smart fillies face the starter for this above-average Class 3 contest and CIRCE (NAP) (best price 3-1) is one of those who fits the category of being in the conversation for capturing the prize before going on to better things. 

Thought good enough to tackle Group 3 company as a juvenile, Richard Hannon’s filly began the new season with her sights significantly lowered and although she finished outside the money in a handicap at Newbury, she left the impression she was better than the bare result suggested. 

Noted going well just off the speed at the Berkshire venue, she was one of several who had to sit and suffer while a gap appeared and by the time daylight became available, she didn’t have enough time to make up the lost momentum. 

However, she did finish off her race with a degree of purpose, so much so, its conceivable she may have won with a clear run. Working on that theory, the daughter of Kodiac has the look of a well handicapped horse and with that all-important run under her belt likely to count for plenty, she rates a strong choice on her all-weather debut.

The race won by Loughville over today’s course three weeks ago was highlighted by a very strong speed figure for the grade and RAINTOWN (best price 7-1), having gone well for most of the journey until running out of gas late on, is fancied to strip fitter and play a more prominent role on his return visit. 

Still going as well as anything approaching two out, he made his challenge as a gap appeared up the inside of the track at that juncture but as things transpired, he ended up being on the slowest part of the track and his effort petered out in the closing stages. 

Either way, it was still a decent effort by Stan Moore’s inmate following a 67-day break and with today’s extra yardage seen as very much being even more in his comfort zone, he makes plenty of appeal from an each-way stance. 

The theme of many races here this afternoon is the rematches with several who clashed at the previous meeting and not wanting to uncomplicate matters, HAVANA GOLDRUSH (best price 5-1) and RAVENGLASS (best price 11-2) look to hold all the aces based on the numbers from their recent clash over the same C&D. 

The former set off as if his tail was on fire at the Somerset venue three weeks ago and to his great credit, he managed to maintain the gallop all the way to the line. Clearly a horse happy to be back on turf on the evidence of that display, another positive ride from the front on ground that will suit him more than most, the son of Havana Gold can take his rivals to the depths of despair on his return visit. 

The latter could never get to grips with his old rival here 21 days ago, but he did keep on well in the closing stages and he is likely to be in the mix once again today. Arguably a better horse on the grass than on the all-weather, today’s easier underfoot conditions are more in his favour and if the wheels come off Havana Goldrush, he is one of main players to capitalise.