Andy Holding's Wednesday Racing Tips

SPRUCE MEADOWS (best price 6-1) ended a lean run of results when taking advantage of a slipping mark at Down Royal recently and he’s fancied to follow up now seemingly back in the groove. Winless since landing an all-weather handicap off a mark of 87 at Dundalk back in August 2017, James Feane’s gelding had intimated the good days might be not too far away when catching the eye the time before at Leopardstown and that impression was soon realised at the Co Down venue two weeks later. In a race run at a sound clip from the start, the six-year-old ran on very strongly in the latter stages to overpower his rivals late on and everything about the success – particularly the smart speed figure – all pointed towards a performance of some repute. Although the son of Intikhab has been duly punished to the tune of 8lb, he’s still noticeably well treated compared to his old winning mark and with conditions to suit, he’s expected to take high rank for the second time in succession despite his high draw creating a cause for some concern.

MOVEWITHTHETIMES (best price 7-2) has always had a touch of class and based on his recent exploits, it appears his new handler has got the eight-year-old back to something approaching his very best and if he runs anywhere near that level here today, he’s going to take some stopping.

The weight of money in his direction prior to the Galway Plate suggested a big run was anticipated and when he departed the scene at the first one going down the back second time around, it must have been a bitter blow to connections as the son of Presenting appeared to be tanking along full of running. Sent to Killarney last time out on a recovery mission, Enda Bolger’s gelding duly got back on track and although one of his main rivals that evening, Eclat Des Mottes, made his task easier due to a series of poor jumping errors, he still scored with enough in hand to suggest it wouldn’t have made any material difference to the result. Surprisingly still on the same mark as he was prior to Ballybrit (135), he’s rated 11lb lower than when finishing a creditable second to Finian’s Oscar in a top-quality event at Cheltenham two years ago and now he’s proven that he stays today’s trip well, he still makes plenty of appeal at his top-price 4-1 quotes this morning.

Of the rest, should BLACK SCORPION (best price 10-1) get a run (first reserve) then he has to come into the equation down the foot of the weights. Laid out for this race by connections since bolting up at this meeting last year, his preparations received the final touches with a promising effort over 2m at Killarney last time out and the goodish ground forecast would also be in his favour.

A trappy five-furlong sprint handicap to conclude proceedings but BOWSON FRED (best price 15-2) and ROUNDHAY PARK (best price 13-2) both have enough recent useful form on offer to make their presence felt.

The former hasn’t won for a while now, but his latest performance at Beverley suggests all his old ability is retained and it’s surely only a matter of time before he pops his head back in front again. Completely missed the break at the Yorkshire venue, Mick Easterby’s seven-year-old found himself miles off the pace through the early exchanges, so for him to end up finishing a creditable fourth in a hot handicap is testimony to his nature ability. Well handicapped on the pick of his best form, a big run looks in the offing from the son of Monsieur Bond.

The latter has also been catching the eye of late without winning but he, too shouldn’t be totally left out of calculations. His latest offering saw him finish best of those that were drawn in the unfavourable high stalls at Thirsk 12 days ago and with the speed figure of that race won by the improving Bielsa suggesting it was a high-class affair for the grade, his effort deserves extra merit.