Wednesday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

FAMOUS BRIDGE (best price 9-4) has long given out the view that he is much better than his handicap mark has suggested through all of his runs and with connections deciding to come here rather than pitch him in against top-quality opponents at Aintree and Ayr recently, Nicky Richards’ gelding can round off his season in the best possible fashion. 

Having shaped really well in a decent contest on his opening gambit over hurdles back in October, it’s not a ridiculous statement to suggest the son of Fame And Glory could have remained unbeaten in his four subsequent outings if circumstances had gone more his way. A combination of heavy ground and a rather unlucky unseat prevented him from completing a clean sweep and with his latest effort at Kelso going some way to repaying his supporters, the six-year-old is very much back on track. Indeed, his speed figure at the Borders venue suggests he’s still by someway underestimated by the handicapper and with his shrewd handler also seemingly sharing that view, a big run is anticipated. 

MARY SALOME (best price 4-1) doesn’t have the most desirable of form figures in recent times, but a more in-depth review of his latest effort at the Curragh suggests he might have more to offer than appears at first glance and she’s worth a small interest to back up that view. 

In good form midway through last summer, Andrew Kinirons’ mare lost her way towards the backend of the season which lends to the theory there’s just a short window of opportunity to catch her right when in peak form. Although only 12 of 21 on her return to action at the Co Kildare venue last month, she left the impression she was in fair shape despite not troubling the judge as she spent the final two furlongs hard on the bridle over towards the far side fence. Where she would have finished with a clear run is anyone’s guess, but given how much running she appeared to have in her legs at the time intimated she would have gone fairly close, so with that in mind, she has to be called into the conversation in this similar race at the very least. A creditable fourth off a mark of 80 the only time she has visited today’s track, another positive display looks likely off a 12lb lower rating. 

SMART CONNECTION (best price 3-1) is quickly developing into a pretty effective performer at today’s venue and there’s every chance that another victory can be squeezed out of Alice Haynes’ gelding in a race that still should be well within his capabilities. 

A winner on his first visit to the Surrey venue last September, only a lack of a run for 134 days prevented the son of Dutch Art from upholding his unbeaten record on his next start, but he soon resumed winning ways on his latest outing here a month ago. In a strong-looking race on paper for the grade, the five-year-old did really well to hang tough down the straight having chased a fast pace throughout, so even though his winning margin was a tenuous one, his overall performance probably deserves upgrading. Looking at today’s pace map, the gallop doesn’t appear likely to be as strong, but because he likes to race handy and has solid form over a mile, his versatility could prove to be the key factor.