Tuesday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

ARTFUL APPROACH (best price 9-2) ran well to finish fourth in the circumstances over today’s C&D last time out and even though he left the impression he might want a little bit further to be seen to better effect, Jack Davidson’s gelding may still prove good enough on his return visit. 

As is sometimes the case at the Meath track, particularly in the early spart of the season on soft ground, the high numbers held a significant advantage on the straight track and, as it panned out in the handicap won by Transcendental, those drawn low had very little chance of being competitive. 

The fact, therefore, the son of Mehmas managed to finish where he did after being in a poor position at halfway is testimony to his effort on the day and it’s easy to draw to the conclusion, he might well have won but for such an impost. 

Given his other three races last season were over seven furlongs and a mile, he probably wants somewhere in the middle but either way, this stiff track at the minimum trip doesn’t seem a bad option for now and a performance of a similar level over the same C&D should see him right in the mix again from a slightly more favourable draw. 

FACE D’MUSIC (best price 9-1) was comprehensively beaten at Ludlow last time out but the data from that useful handicap two weeks ago suggested he had little chance trying to match motors with a bunch of rivals rattling out very strong fractions and now significantly down in grade, Katy Price’s gelding can make hay in what should turn out to be a far more palatable gallop. 

Soon struggling to go with the pace at the Shropshire venue, it was only until knowing the full details why that turned out to be the case and even allowing for the fact he got beaten 17 lengths, his final circuit time was still on par with two mile novice hurdle winner, Daddy Long Legs – such was the extent of the gallop set in his contest over a full mile further. 

Clearly, we are dealing with a seriously above average affair won by Porter In The Park 13 days ago and having gone well on his previous four starts over hurdles, including three on ground similar to what he faces today, confidence is high he can go close to finally getting off the mark. 

The race won by Club Manager at Bellewstown two weeks ago was noted for its strong overall time figure for the grade and with the winner going on to run extremely well in a much better contest at Punchestown last week (was given too much to do) MISSUS BEETON (best price 13-2) is fancied to fly the flag for the same form line. 

Coming back off a winter break, presumably in a bid to avoid soft ground, Shane Nolan’s mare was the first to lay down the gauntlet at the Meath venue, but as it turned out, that manoeuvre following a 129-day break proved fatal and she ended up weakening after the last. 

That said, she still came out of the race with a glowing report and with that all-important run under her belt and back on a more favourable surface, the daughter of Mamool can put up an even bigger bid in her quest to shed her maiden tag. 

CABHFUILFUNGI (best price 8-1) had the misfortune to bump into a useful sort in the shape of El Granjero here last time out, but he did leave the impression he could well be dangerous if placed to better advantage next time and in his first handicap off a mark of 111, Kerry Lee’s gelding is taken to back up that theory. 

Having his first outing since leaving Gary Hamner, the eight-year-old impressed with the way he lobbed along at his own leisure and even though ultimately proved no match for the winner from off the home turn, he’d already done enough to suggest he wasn’t a bad acquisition for his new yard. 

Looking at his career up to now, it’s noticeable his best performances have come on a decent surface, including his only victory so far to date, and with his knowledge of today’s venue also not likely to be lost on him, he makes of each-way appeal as an alternative to last week’s impressive winner and worthy favourite, Big Blue Moon.