Saturday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Arguably wider open than the market suggests, and NO RETURN (best price 40-1) looks one of those seriously underestimated by the layers based on his hugely promising effort at Naas on debut. 

Sent off as one of the outsiders in a race dominated by Red Evolution (runner-up to Celtic Chieftain previously), Ado McGuiness’ inmate was still in last place as the field dashed past the two-furlong pole at the Kildare venue but once meeting the rising ground, he flashed home to such effect, he would have prevailed in another few strides. 

Although the form isn’t earth-shattering by any stretch of the imagination, he shaped like the one who will improve the most next time and hailing from a stable who wouldn’t be renown for calling their geese swans, this breeze-up purchase by Kodiac is worth a small each-way interest to see whether he can justify his position in today’s field.

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Saint Bibiana has been in tremendous form during the summer jumping period and it would come as no shock if she were to complete the nap hand, but HALIFAX (best price 5-1) has been plying his trade in tougher races than he faces here today and he might just have enough quality to upset the applecart. 

A clearcut winner at Kempton back in May, Grace Harris’ gelding has since gone on to hit the frame three times and his latest effort when third to Pyffo in a Class 2 affair at Uttoxeter reads well in the context of today’s race. 

Unlucky to bump into the in-form Mr Tambourine Man at Worcester previously, he may have won but for a slipping saddle at this level at Hereford the time before and with stamina assured and plenty of form with ease in the ground in the locker, the seven-year-old makes plenty of appeal as a solid each-way alternative to the favourite.

BELGARUM (best price 11-2) has been in fine form since returning to the fray after wind surgery and another prominent display looks on the cards following a useful effort over today’s C&D last time out.

A smooth winner at Fontwell previously, it was easy to see why he was a warm order in the market to follow up at the west country venue two weeks later but after picking up the running going well halfway down the back straight, he ultimately ran out of gas at the business end.

On the evidence of that performance, which still worked out well on the clock, Joe Tizzard’s gelding may be better served being held on to for longer and providing those tactics come to fruition, he can stake a claim to regain the winning theme.