Racing preview for Thursday, June 22

Hold Tight flopped when tried on turf at Ascot last time but a return to the all weather at Newcastle can see him regain the winning thread in the Betfred 'Home of Goals Galore' Handicap.
Hold Tight (right) winning at Leicester last year, is tipped to score on the all-weather at Newcastle. Photo: Simon Cooper/PA Wire.Hold Tight (right) winning at Leicester last year, is tipped to score on the all-weather at Newcastle. Photo: Simon Cooper/PA Wire.
Hold Tight (right) winning at Leicester last year, is tipped to score on the all-weather at Newcastle. Photo: Simon Cooper/PA Wire.

The four-year-old has seen only limited action to date and will be having just his fifth outing here, but he appears to retain a good chunk of ability.

A son of Exceed And Excel, Hold Tight opened with a win on soft ground at Leicester last October, defying his evident inexperience to hold off subsequent winner Merhoob by nearly three lengths.

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He could not quite follow up from an unfavourable draw at Lingfield the next time but bounced back with a fine success at that venue in January.

Each of his five rivals that day has gone on to win at least one race and the second, Boomerang Bob, appears to be a useful yardstick judged on his rating of 94.

All those factors saw Hold Tight be well supported before the Victoria Cup at Ascot in May, but he could not live up to expectations, being hampered when trying to challenge before being eased right down by William Buick when his chance had gone.

That race is always ultra-competitive and perhaps it was too big an ask, but Saeed bin Suroor appears to have found an ideal opportunity for redemption here.

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Mont Ras is the epitome of consistency and he can duly gain just reward in the Betfred Seaton Delaval Handicap.

He has rarely finished out of the first three on his 10 most recent outings but the handicapper is giving him a chance of success as he has dropped from his highest rating of 103 to a more workable 94.The nine-year-old is certainly one for the short list here.

Trainer Clive Cox and owners Paul and Clare Rooney enjoyed a day to remember with My Dream Boat at Ascot last week and Youre Always Right can keep the bandwagon rolling, albeit at a much lower level, in the Whiting & Partners Handicap at Newmarket.

* Selections

Newcastle: 1.50 Alcazar, 2.20 Jamacho, 2.55 Grand Canyon, 3.30 Exclusive Diamond, 4.00 Mont Ras, 4.35 HOLD TIGHT (NAP), 5.10 Wowcha, 5.40 Kafoo.

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Nottingham: 2.10 That Batham Boy, 2.45 Perigee, 3.20 De Veer Cliffs, 3.50 Pickett’s Charge, 4.25 Sir Domino, 5.00 Sarabi, 5.30 Framley Garth.

Hamilton: 6.00 Sherman McCoy, 6.30 What’s The Story, 7.00 Indastar, 7.35 Warp Factor, 8.05 Sunnua, 8.40 Apricot Sky, 9.10 Born Innocent.

Newbury: 5.35 Unnoticed, 6.10 Brexit, 6.40 Fleeting Motion, 7.15 Alcatraz, 7.45 Kuantan, 8.20 Racing Angel, 8.50 Lady Makfi.

Newmarket: 2.00 Unabated, 2.30 Hearty, 3.05 Fawaareq, 3.40 Mr Piglet, 4.10 Oh So Sassy, 4.45 Youre Always Right, 5.20 Pixeleen.

Double: Hold Tight and Youre Always Right.