Andy Holding's Wednesday Racing Tips

LAS TUNAS (best price 15-2) is arguably a better horse around Ayr, but with today’s venue being a similarly tight, left-handed track, there’s more than a fair chance that Mike Smith’s gelding can reward solid each-way support.

Unlucky three starts ago when falling going well two out at the Scottish track, the son of Country Reel gained his just rewards for that untimely exit when trotting up on his return visit next time out. Well-fancied to back up that smooth victory at Newcastle last time out, the seven-year-old looked as though he was going to deliver the goods again only to bump into the well-treated and tenacious Buddari who was clearly up for the fight. Once again, he travelled strongly throughout the well-run affair, but over the stiffer course, his potent turn of foot was somewhat nullified and he ended up having to play second fiddle. However, with the winner going in again, the form looks pretty solid and with today’s flatter track likely to play more into his strengths, he makes plenty of appeal in a race where the pace looks sure to be strong (Halcyon Days and Pull Together confirmed front runners).

A win for HASSELNOTT (best price 13-2) here two weeks’ week provided an instant return on investment for new connections and that shrewd purchase may have even more traction if he can run anywhere the numbers he knocked out on his return visit.

Having his first start for Anthony McCann, the Hellveyln gelding was up against two in-from rivals in the shape of Togoville and Aussie Valentine, but having travelled well throughout, he quickly left the pair for dead inside the final two furlongs. Looking at the numbers he posted that evening, they reveal he recorded easily his best set of figures at the track and providing the blinkers can work for the second time, it’s easy to see this in-form six-year-old running another huge race despite the drop back in trip being a slight concern.