Wednesday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

A field that have raced no fewer than 369 times between them and of the octet of veterans, GLOBAL SPIRIT (best price 2/1) makes the most appeal to cast aside his zimmer frame. 

One of only two C&D winners in the line-up, Roger Fell’s gelding achieved that distinction when making all the running back in April and with the two he beat that day, Yanifer and Eilean Dubh, both going on to have multiple successes since, he undoubtedly brings the best form to the table.

A creditable sixth in the Carlisle Bell since, the seven-year-old was only just touched off at Ripon on his latest encounter and with the time figure of that contest from the Yorkshire track indicating it was a fair race of its kind, a decent break from stall three should put him in the box seat in his bid to go one place better.

Moon Watch created a favourable impression when scoring on his debut at Nottingham two months ago, but similar comments also apply to OKEECHOBEE (best price 11/2) when he was runner-up on his opening bow at Wolverhampton and at the morning prices, the latter makes far more appeal. 

Jumping alertly from stall four at the Midland venue, the son of Time test raced a little keenly without cover in the early stages and it took him a good few furlongs to settle down into a rhythm. Racing on the shoulders of the front runner until turning for home, Harry & Roger Charlton’s colt assumed command at the two-furlong marker but unfortunately from this point onwards, he continued to drift markedly to his right all the way down the straight and in the end, this manoeuvre cost him the race.

Not seen since, we have to presume he’s met with a slight setback in the interim, but providing all is okay in his world for his return to action after a 96-day break, this scopey three-year-old has the ability to keep the favourite honest at the very least. 

DIGNIFIED (NAP) (best price 9/4) has twice run with great credit in defeat and with the latest of her performances coming courtesy of a very useful speed figure, John & Thady Gosden’s filly is fancied to put all her knowledge gained to good use and get off the mark at the third time of asking. 

Highly promising on her debut over tonight’s course when keeping in well at the finish, the daughter of Galileo was strongly fancied to go one place better at Lingfield last time out and although the bare result may have suggested she didn’t improve as well as anticipated, the numbers say otherwise.

In what turned out to be a very strongly run race, she looked dangerous when asked for maximum effort rounding the home turn, but when the front two picked up again she couldn’t quite the extra resources required. That said, it was still a huge step forward from a filly with a lovely pedigree and with Frankie Dettori clearly keen to keep the ride, she will hopefully reward the Italian’s loyalty. 

GRACESOLUTION (best price 4/1) arrives here on top of her game courtesy of two recent victories with one of the pair having taken place over today’s course, she can put that knowledge to good use and complete the hat trick. 

Winless after eight attempts when setting foot on the Cleveragh Road track for the first time, Ross O’Sullivan’s mare proved her lack of track experience no barrier to success with a victory of some authority and she’s since gone on to further bolster her reputation with a similar performance at Killarney.

Once again coming from some way off the pace, the daughter of Notnopwcato was noticeably strong in the closing stages, so much so, that her backend sectionals were some of the best on the seven-race card. Up in trip slightly this evening, her ability to stay well should stand her in good stead and with her association with promising apprentice Jake Coen also beginning to flourish, the improving five-year-old is fancied to continue her progression while still eligible for this level.