Andy Holding's Wednesday Racing Tips

The name INSOMNIA (NAP) (best price 6-4) triggers many memories for this writer of watching Faithless in their heyday, but for today, the equine version will hopefully provide just as much pleasure for his backers in what appears a very winnable race for Richard Spencer’s inmate. 

A smooth winner on debut over today’s track last March, connections thought highly enough of the son of Due Diligence to take a punt at the Group 3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury and although that project ended up going the way his position in the market suggested, he was in no way disgraced. Gelded towards the end of the summer, the four-year-old has clearly been given plenty of time to get over the procedure, so much so, that he didn’t make his reappearance until December, fully 236 days after we last saw him at the Berkshire track. Understandably a little ring rusty after such a break, as a result, he found himself in a poor early position at the Midland venue, but he did please with the way he finished off his race, so his performance has to go down as quite an encouraging one as far as the future is concerned. Additionally, he also looked as he may require further than seven furlongs to be seen in a more positive light and with today’s faster surface likely to aid his long, flowing action, he rates a confident choice to get his career back on track. 

One or two potentially interesting ones here, either making their handicap debuts or stepping up in trip, but the solid one whichever way you strip it down is MIDGETONAMISSION (best price 10-3) and David Evans’ filly looks to have a decent chance of finally getting off the mark. 

Fairly consistent but also a shade one-paced performer over a mile, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor turned in her best display by some way when tackled today’s C&D two starts ago and a repeat of that effort should see her go close on her return visit. Noted going well turning out of the back straight, she quickened up well to hold every chance at the top of the home run, but she, unfortunately, found one too good in the shape of Vaxholm and she had to settle for an honourable second. However, the time figure was pretty good for the grade and with her going on to catch the eye with the way she finished off her race over an inadequate trip again at Kempton last time, a return to 1m2f should see her to much better advantage.