Thursday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Some decent two-year-old talent on offer in this Group 2 and a punt is advised on BILLBOARD STAR (best price 14-1) proving equal to the task. 

Shaping nicely on his debut at Goodwood, Eve Johnson Houghton’s gelding confirmed the promise of that initial display when scoring in authoritative style over today’s C&D two weeks ago and with the speed figure he posted pointing towards a performance of some merit, he thoroughly deserves a crack at something more substantial. 

Other than the numbers, the main feature of his effort was his attitude when he dipped his shoulder and changed his legs once meeting the rising ground and with the experience of racing over today’s stiff course unlikely to be lost on him, he can put that knowledge to good use on his return visit. 

TROPICAL ISLAND (best price 6-1) made a pleasing start to her campaign when a close-up sixth in a similar race to todays at York last time out and with the strong possibility she would have come on considerably for that initial outing, Richard Fahey’s filly can make the trek down from her Yorkshire base a fruitful one. 

Having her first outing for 246 days, the daughter of Inns Of Court was the last horse off the bridle off the Knavesmire but once asked to go and put the race to bed over a furlong out, she got tired and floundered in the rain-softened ground, eventually finishing just outside the money.

However, it was still a decent return considering she was conceding race fitness to the majority of the field and with plenty of soft ground form to her name as a juvenile, she is fancied to turn around the form with Elmonjed and Imperial Guard at the very least.

CHARENCY (best price 4-1) has run well on his last two starts despite not being done too many favours by the draw and he looks primed to take a hand in the finish having fared much better in the ballot. 

A creditable third over today’s C&D a month ago when drawn 1 of the 9 strong field, the four-year-old was out on the wing for the second time in succession at Leicester last time out and once again, he did exceptionally well under the circumstances to make the frame from being a long way behind at halfway. 

Had he not been short of room at a crucial stage five days ago, he might well have scooped the pot, but either way, his speed figure in defeat suggests he remains in excellent heart. 

Other than one poor effort on account of unsuitable soft ground, Ian William’s gelding seems to go particularly well for Josephine Gordon and the combination are strongly fancied to team up to good effect under optimum conditions. 

The mile handicap won by Booyea at the Curragh on Irish Derby Day was highlighted by a very strong speed figure for the grade (third placed Verhoyen won last night) and having caught the eye with the way they finished off their races from the back of the field, both SHAYZANN (best price 11-1) and BENAVENTE (best price 12-1) are worth small interests to fly the flag for the form. 

The former, in particular, took an age to engage top gear at the Kildare venue, but once persuaded to put his best foot forward, he came home to good effect to finish on the coat tails of the main players and his performance has to go down as a step in the right direction after failing to shine on his seasonal bow. 
Only beaten six lengths in a Group 3 over tonight’s course last year, he has clearly had his problems since, but the green shoots of recovery are definitely beginning to develop and this 1m1f journey should prove ideal.

The latter is better known for his exploits on the all-weather, but his last two runs on turf, including his latest effort, suggest he might not be just a one-trick pony and he is also worth a poke at a big price.
Although never a threat 11 days ago, Kevin Coleman’s gelding did more than enough in the closing stages to offer plenty of hope for the remainder of the season and he has far too much ability to total ignore.