Join

Free horse racing tips for Bank Holiday Monday

Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023

After two Classics in successive days plus a Derby winner and a St Leger hero getting back to winning ways, it is fair to say the action on Monday is a little more ordinary.

You don’t get paid extra for finding the winners of the top races, though, and hopefully the quintet below will give us something to smile about.

2.55 Ayr: Highwaygrey at 4-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power

Finished: 8thSP: 4/1

This wait-and-pounce merchant shaped with plenty of promise on his return at Haydock last time when a never-nearer third in a similar 0-80 handicap contest.

Denied a clear run about a furlong and a half from home, he did well to make the frame given he found himself out of his ground. Moreover, David Allan was sympathetic in the closing stages, sticking to hands-and-heels.

Highwaygrey turns out again quite quickly but that hasn’t stopped him reproducing his form in the past, with three of his career wins being gained after a break of no more than ten days.

He’s well served by the demands of Pontefract, which is reflected by his record, but he also shone in his two races at Ayr last summer, winning on the latter occasion in fluent fashion. He’s 2lb higher here but that is offset by Sean Kirrane taking 3lb off his back.

A significant amount of overnight rain would be a niggle, given he seems well served by good ground or quicker. His connections twice scratched him on softish terrain last summer and no doubt will pull the plug again if not satisfied conditions will be to his liking.

4.05 Ayr: Rock Melody at 7-4 with bet365

Finished: 5thSP: 9/4

My Tracker note for her after an eye-catching run over 5f at Musselburgh on April 8 was “unlucky loser, keep eye on her, especially if over 6f”. And when she next ran on April 30, again over 5f after having a few quid on, it was “will surely be over 6f next time. Won’t be a price but get your money back”.

And here she is, back up to 6f off the same mark, in a much smaller field than when doing all her best work at the finish.

The lack of runners does complicate matters, with none of them usually being front-runners. As a consequence, this could be a bit messy.

But against that, the fact she’s twice gone close over the minimum trip in her past two races suggests she should be well equipped to cope. Paul Mulrennan also has the option of riding her more prominently, as he she looks versatile in terms of tactics.

Have a day at the races on us. Click here for more details

4.35 Ayr: Royal Cay at 100-30 with bet365

Finished: 6thSP: 3/1

This grey son of Expert Eye seems much more effective on turf and, more than that, simply looked an improved performer when getting up close home on his return from a break at Beverley last month.

It looked for much of the final furlong that the racefit and unexposed Abbadia would keep him at bay, but Royal Cay pulled out a bit extra without being unduly punished. The third home had also signed off with a solid run at Newmarket last year, so the form has some substance.

In the circumstances, a 4lb rise looks fair, not least because Royal Cay is entitled to progress again and will appreciate any softening of the ground.

Pontefract winner Tellus rates a threat, but the handicapper looks to have taken quite a high opinion of her form.

4.45 Southwell: Wildfell at a general 5-2

Finished: 1stSP: 10/11

Guineas weekend stirs lots of memories, including the sight of Lester Piggott winning a final Classic aboard Rodrigo De Triano in 1992 for a jubilant Peter Chapple-Hyam.

The trainer has operated in much shallower waters for many years, having no more than five winners in each of the past four seasons.

Wildfell gives him prospects of achieving more this term, having chalked up successive wins at Lingfield and Kempton this spring.

He did well to win on the first occasion given that he did just about everything wrong before and during the race but was more straightforward when following up. Having begun life off a lowly mark and learning on the job, he could stay ahead of the handicapper for a while yet.

7.50 Windsor: Grey Fox at 15-2 with bet365

Finished: 4thSP: 12/1

This four-time course winner clearly has a soft spot for this track. Indeed, his only defeat in his past five visits to this venue was in this race last year, when he shaped well in a close fifth without his usual cheekpieces. The headgear is not left off this time.

He lacks a recent run and has never won off such a high rating, but he bolted up first time up on his return here two years ago and his rating – only 4lb higher than when last successful – does not look beyond him. In addition, he’s had a wind op since last year, having had a tongue-tie introduced during last term.

Grey Fox is a strong traveller who is habitually held up, probably needing a bit of knowing. Hector Crouch is 2/4 on him (and 3/6 when riding for Emma Lavelle), so there should not be any surprises for him.

The six-year-old has done his winning on quicker ground but seems to cope with any conditions. Tamarama is feared most, but he is unproven away from decent going.

Racing TV

9.0K Videos
213.0K Subscribers
186.4M Views

RACING TV is the home of British and Irish racing, showcasing live and exclusive horse racing action from 61 of the very best racecourses in the UK and Ireland in stunning HD. Our dedicated horse racing channel was set up in 2004 by our racecourse shareholders and is dedicated to broadcasting more than 800 live race meetings a year with commentary, debate and tipping from 35 of the UK's top racecourses and all 26 Irish racecourses. All Racing TV profits are returned to its racecourse shareholders to support the sport. Racing TV goes out to over 65,000 commercial and residential subscribers. Tune in by going to Sky 424 (UK, NI, ROI), Virgin Media 536 (UK, NI), 411 (ROI). You can also watch Racing TV at racingtv.com and on the iPhone/iPad app, Android app and mobile-optimised website. Find out more about the Racing TV large screen app at www.racingtv.com/largescreenapp Followers must be 18+ and please gamble responsibly: gambleaware.org