Friday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

SKUKUZA (best price 10-3) arrives here still a maiden after four starts, but he’s run well enough on both his outings this term to suggest he won’t have to wait too much longer to shed that unwanted tag and, over a C&D that he knows well, Ed Dunlop’s colt makes plenty of appeal off his current mark. 

A promising sixth in a hot maiden at the Craven meeting, he was pitched into quite a competitive heat on his first outing in handicap company and although he came up a little short on the day, his performance in chasing home the well-backed winner, Volterra, worked out as a career high on the figures. 

Seemingly well suited by a step up to a mile, has a nice, straightforward approach to his work and although he faces several who have similarly progressive profiles on his return to HQ, confidence is high he can prove equal to the task.

You can back Andy Holding's tips at a guaranteed best price through oddschecker by clicking the odds widget below.

Tower Of London was undeniably good out in Dubai last time out – exhibiting a sharp turn of foot to claim the prize late on - but at the same time, GIAVELLOTTO (best price 9-2) wasn’t beaten too far and with Marco Botti’s gelding having the advantage of previous track form over his old rival, there’s every hope he could turn around the form and retain his crown. 

Only beaten a length by Aidan O’Brien’s inmate at Riyadh previously, connections were hopeful they could bridge the gap in the Dubai Gold Cup a month later but as things panned out, the five-year-old lacked the basic speed to go with the eventual winner in what turned out to be a steadily run affair. 

Seen to better effect over today’s C&D when Quickthorn made it a proper test, the sight of Al Qareem offers hope that there will be a decent gallop on from the outset and with that in mind, the son of Mastercraftsman rates the percentage call at the morning odds.

WAXING GIBBONS (NAP) (best price 7-2) caught a tartar in the shape of in-form Fiddlers Green at Doncaster on her seasonal bow, but it was still a run of some promise by David Menuisier’s filly and with the anticipation of more to come, she looks to have a cast-iron opportunity to make a mark in a race of this nature. 

Mildly promising in three starts last season, the daughter of Sea The Moon began life in handicap company off what appeared a workable mark and although she proved no match for the easy winner, she was the only one to give vein chase, in turn, pulling well clear of the rest of the pack. 

Posting a useful speed figure despite her seven-length defeat, the assessor has left her on a reasonable perch just slightly higher than her excellent effort on Town Moor and with the overnight rain seen as a bonus, the lightly raced filly can make hay. 

NORTHERN BOUND (best price 5-1) must have fast ground to be seen to best effect, so one eye on the weather is worth monitoring, but providing all is suitable on that front, Ben Pauling’s inmate has an excellent chance of going one place better than his most recent outing at Warwick. 

Returning to the fray after a 169-day hiatus, the 10-year-old impressed with the way he travelled throughout a strongly run affair and although he couldn’t quite get to grips with the race-fit Sageburg County after a slight peck at the last, he kept on bravely to finish an honourable second, in turn, well clear of the rest. 

Based on that effort alone he would have a tremendous claims of capturing tonight’s similar prize but when you also add to the equation, he arrives here with fewer miles on the clock than most of his rivals who have had busy campaigns, it all adds up for the son of Fruits Of Love to return to winnings ways. 

A PIECE OF HEAVEN (best price 11-2) lacks a recent outing but he’s undeniably one of the class acts of the race and a chance is taken his ability can see him through on his first outing for 168 days. 

Extremely well backed to land a handicap at Dundalk on only his fourth start on the Flat when last seen, the son of Jukebox Jury never gave his supporters too many anxious moments and despite being eased down close home, he still managed to post a speed figure well above average for the grade. 

Although a drop down in trip raises slight questions marks here tonight, the way he toyed with the 106-rated Uxmal over 1m6f at Gowran earlier last season eases the mind on that front and with the booking of crack lady rider Aine O’Connor a clear sign of intent by connections, this highly promising stayer can kick off his season on a positive note.