Andy Holding's Wednesday Racing Tips

A trappy little heat which spans the ages right from the three-year-olds all the way up to veteran Maarek at the ripe old age of 12, and of the mixed bag set to go to post, SIR JACK THOMAS (best price 4-1) and LINCOLN (best price 8-1) make the most appeal at the morning odds.

A wide draw at the Galway Festival wasn’t necessarily the kiss of death to all concerned during the week, but in was certainly a good solid peck on the cheek in most cases and that definitely applied to the former who had to cope with a stall one from the outside in a 17-strong field. Forced to race wide throughout, Ado McGuinness’ gelding could never land a telling blow at the leaders, but he did run on nicely enough to suggest he may have well had some sort of say in the outcome with a better draw and he can be afforded another chance. Although he’s dropping back considerably in trip today, he hasn’t lacked for tactical speed in the past and having scored on his only previous visit to this afternoon’s track, his prospect of getting back on the winning trial look relatively strong.

The latter was also done no favours with the draw and while forcing himself into a more competitive position because of his prominent style of racing, he ultimately paid the price for his early exertions late on. Better known for his exploits over shorter trips, the last time he shipped up here and was given a positive ride over a sprinting distance he came out on top and having bagged the favourable inside peg next to the plastic, Denis Hogan’s inmate looks sure to make a bold bid if he hits the lids and gets to the front as anticipated.

It was certainly a while between drinks where DUBAI ELEGANCE (NAP) (best price 3-1) is concerned, but based on her victory at Doncaster the other day, the wait was well worth it, and while seemingly in a fine frame of mind at present, she can continue to strike while the iron is hot.

Racing in Class 6 company all season without success, Derek Shaw’s mare didn’t appear to have an outstanding chance on paper in a much better race on Town Moor four days ago (raced 5lb out of the handicap) but in surprising bookmakers and punters alike, she easily produced the best performance of her career by some way. Waited with in rear after her usual slow start, the daughter of Sepoy was noted still travelling well going past the halfway stage and then once asked for maximum effort inside the final two furlongs, she picked up readily to pull clear of some useful and in-form fillies’. Clocking a faster overall time and backend sectionals than the 103-rated Tabdeed over the same C&D, this chestnut mare clearly ran way beyond the expectations of a 46-rated horse and even though she now faces an extra furlong to contend with in a her follow up bid, her run-style and previous back form over a mile suggests she should have too many issues on that score.