Saturday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

No matter what anyone says, we all have our cliff horses in this game and in the shape of CARRYTHEONE (best price 13-2), this writer has not only got over the edge but he’s also deployed the parachute. The key is knowing when to let go of these types but Michael Bell’s inmate is such a talented individual and has been so unlucky of late, it’s hard to just walk away and say goodbye – certainly not until there’s complete closure.

Last time out in the Bunbury Cup, for instance, he once again left the impression he would have won with a clear run and similar comments apply to his effort in the Buckingham Palace over today’s C&D previously. All dressed up with nowhere to go for the thick end of two furlongs here a month ago, the seven-year-old flew home once out on the clear and while all the plaudits went the way of the winner, English Oak, those of us siding with our old friend were once again left licking our wounds. 

At least that agonising defeat went a long way to suggest today’s stiff track suits him well and providing lightening doesn’t strike for the third time in succession, he looks almost guaranteed to have a huge say in the outcome. 

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NESKI SHERELSKI (best price 9-1) performed miracles to finish a creditable second in the King George V handicap at Royal Ascot and even though the ratings suggest he has a bit to find here with the likes of The Euphrates and Bellazza, there’s more than a decent chance he will prove equal to the task on his first attempt in pattern company. 

Forced to be dropped right out the back in the early stages at the Berkshire venue due to his high draw (19 of 19), Joseph O’Brien’s colt was still stone bonking last turning for home but with a powerful late surge, he managed to pass all but one of his rivals in a short space of time and it came as no surprise to find his final three furlongs splits were the best of the entire field. 

Considering that smart performance was only the fourth of his career, it’s safe to assume there’s likely to be a good deal more to come and even though that theory might have more credibility when he races beyond today’s 1m4f journey, he’s still fancied to prove troublesome to those down the front end of the market here this afternoon.

A cracking renewal of one of the showpiece races of the summer and if the time figure for The Irish Derby is any guide, SUNWAY (best price 14-1), the only three-year-old in the field, has a decent chance of providing the Classic generation with their fourth victory in the last decade. 

Last turning for home at The Curragh, David Menuisier’s colt still had a task on his hands at the two-furlong pole but with every stride thereafter he was gaining ground on Los Angeles and with another 50yds he would have undoubtably got his head in front. 

Based on the exploits of the winner, Ambiente Friendly and of course, City Of Troy, there’s no reason to doubt the form of each Derby either side of the Irish Sea and using the logic there’s simply no way any of that aforementioned trio would be trading at 14-1 for this race, the son of Galiway has to be considered extremely good value to stir the pot against the older brigade. 

MAE AMOR (best price 8-1) shaped with an infinite amount of promise in a race noted for its strong speed figure on debut and David O’Meara’s inmate looks grossly overpriced based on that excellent beginning. 

Sent off one of the outsiders at the Yorkshire track, the daughter of Mehmas travelled like she was always going to defy her odds and although she ultimately came up a little short at the business end, there was no shame finishing just behind two highly regarded types, one of which has already gone on to run well at pattern level. 

Time figure-wise, she posted a more than useful number at the first time of asking and granted just normal improvement, she’s expected to built on that initial effort and be extremely competitive over a track that should suit.

RON O (best price 9-2) has never been this far but given the way he won over the extended 1m2f here a month ago he has better prospects of staying than not and at the morning odds, the risk is worth taking on Ray Cragg’s charge. 

Campaigned at 7f/1m for most of his life, connections took the bold move to step him up significantly in trip here two starts ago and in what turned out to be a proper test (strong speed figure), he came through with flying colours. 

Given the way he hit the line that day and his subsequent effort when staying on strongest of all back at a mile, middle distances are probably going to be the norm for him going forward and if today’s race is run at the tempo that suits him, his kick finish could prove the vital ingredient.