Andy Holding's Wednesday Racing Tips

FIRST DRIFT (best price 7-2) impressed with the relentless gallop that he dished out to his rivals over the C&D last time out and despite the sight of two strong opponents from powerful stables, Ben Case’s game front-runner is expected to hold his own at the very least.

A useful hurdler last season with two wins under his belt, the son of Generous had to be marked up as a bitter disappointment on his chasing debut at Market Rasen, but following that initial experience, he proved to be a totally different proposition second time around. Setting off in usual trail-blazing fashion, the eight-year-old chestnut had most of the rivals on the back foot through the first mile and by the time the chasing pack turned for home with three to jump, there was only one serious contender.

A good jump at the last helped seal the deal and even allowing for the fact that the short-priced favourite, Style De Garde, misbehaved down at the start, the fact that the strongly-fancied pair Jurby and Onefortheroadtom were totally hung out to dry says a lot for the performance. 

Some decent fillies on show here in these conditions events, none more so than ISLAND OF LIFE (best price 7-2) who rates a fair choice to complete her hat trick. Willie Haggas’ filly has been a frustrating character in the past, often blowing her chances of winning more races by tardy starts, but since connections have applied cheekpieces and stepped her up in trip to six furlongs, she’s really begun to flourish.

A smooth success at Newcastle was followed up by an even more impressive display at Kempton last time out when she quickened up really smartly inside the last two furlongs to win going away. In doing so, the daughter of Dubawi joined the rare club at the Surrey track of running the last three furlongs in 33 and change, and with those sort of numbers easily making her the quickest horse in today’s field, its just a case of whether that speed can be preserved well enough over an extra furlong. 

Predictably, there’s going to be plenty of hype surrounding Loveherandleaveher and she might well justify her position in the market, but at the same time, LIBERTY BELLA (best price 9-2) proved that she’s more than capable of slaying a few big names with her victory at Ludlow last time out and at the respective prices, she rates the value call. 

Sent off at 25-1, Brian Eckley’s was always travelling at the head of affairs like she was going to bely her odds from a very early stage and as it turned out, she maintained a decent gallop all the way to the line. As the time figure revealed afterwards, it was no wonder the daughter of Librettist had caused carnage in behind with the likes of well-fancied pair Legend Gold and Trull La La unable to live with her in the last half a mile and if she’s ridden with a similar intent here this afternoon, the four-year-old, who jumps really well, should in no way be underestimated.