Sunday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

As we saw yesterday, anything can happen in these three-year-old races where most of the field are open to any amount of improvement and while that could easily prove to be the case in the fillies’ version, it may pay to side with proven recent form in the shape of DANCE SEQUENCE (best price 11-2) and STAR STYLE (best price 14-1).

The former was a strong fancy to land the Nell Gwyn on her seasonal bow and to back up the impression she created on both starts as a juvenile and although she failed in her bid to keep her unbeaten record intact, her effort was by no means a total disaster. 

Produced with her challenge at the bushes, Charlie Appleby’s inmate took a while to organise herself and get into top stride and by the time she had hit maximum capacity, Pretty Crystal had built up a big enough advantage to hold on. A horse with around action, she left the impression 18 days ago the fast ground prevented her from running to her best but with conditions far more suitable on her return to the Rowley Mile, the daughter of Dubawi has a decent chance of sealing a Guineas double for her connections. 

The latter is the biggest unknown quantity in the field, arriving here following just one run under her belt but her victory at Newbury two weeks ago strongly suggests connections are well within their rights to roll the dice. 

Setting out to make all the running at the Berkshire venue, Richard Hannon’s filly soon had her rivals in trouble and, in maintaining the relentless gallop all the way to the line, she ended up posting a very smart time figure – the best on the seven-race card. 

Quite what the value of the form amounts to only time will tell, but either way, she clearly has plenty of talent and she should be suited by the galloping nature of today’s track. 

CYNOSURE (best price 9-2) created a favourable impression when landing a useful novice event at Lingfield last time out and with the distinct possibility of even more to come over today’s trip, Andrew Balding’s inmate is fancied to continue his rise up the ranks. 

Placed in all three starts as a two-year-old, the view was taken the son of No Nay Never needed gelding in the off season and on the evidence of his display at the surrey venue was extremely positive. 

Switching from his outside post to race handy just off the early speed, he loomed up with his challenge rounding the home turn and despite hanging a little to left in the closing stages, he found a ready turn of foot to land the prize going away. Posting a useful overall time figure, his backend sectionals were also on par with the sprinters on the same card and given the way he hit the line, he offers up plenty of hope he will relish today’s extra two furlongs.