Wednesday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

To all intents and purposes a race that only surrounds a handful at best and of those with obvious claims, MR ESCOBAR (NAP) (best price 7/4) easily holds the standout credentials. 

Promising on his debut when an 80/1 poke over today’s C&D, Joseph Murray’s five-year-old was a good deal shorter in the betting when returning to the CO Lough venue a month later and although he couldn’t contain the well-backed Dancing Tango in the latter stages, he thoroughly justified his position in the market.

Travelling much sweeter throughout, the son of Epaulette only became outpaced by the eventual winner inside the final furlong but with the pair well clear and the time figure very useful for a race of its kind, his effort suggested he’s more than good enough to land an average maiden. 

MIDNIGHT TRAIN (best price 15/4) could never land a blow in what turned out to be a well-run race for the grade at Wolverhampton last time out but with today’s contest not appearing to be anywhere near as strong in terms of strength in depth, Nicky Henderson’s gelding is fancied to team up nicely with one of the best amateur pilot’s in the field. 

Seemingly not taking to hurdles since switching to his new Seven Barrows base, the son of Iffraaj was sent back on the all-weather a month ago to see whether his fortunes could take a turn for the better and although a fifth-place finish in a 0-60 might not seem that great at first glance, the way he shaped and numbers from the race suggest he ran pretty well.

Keeping on well in the straight after getting outpaced on the home turn, he strongly hinted that a step up in trip would suit and with connections thinking along the same lines here today, the four-year-old is strongly fancied to put up a bold show.

FINERY (best price 3/1) has been plying her trade at a much higher level than what she faces here this evening and following another victory at her favourite venue last time out, there appears no obvious reason to desert the daughter of Al Kazeem hailing from her in-form stable. 

A three-time winner this Winter, Michael Appleby’s mare has only chucked in a couple of slightly below par efforts during the same period and as we saw here last time, she’s thoroughly capable of running to a pretty high level once she has the bit between her teeth. 

Despite being posted out wide and racing keenly early, she still managed to find loads for pressure down the straight and that game victory went a long way to proving how versatile she is trip-wise.

Just as effective over tonight’s seven-furlong journey, expect her regular pilot to make plenty of use of the six-year-old and if last week’s performance is any guide, she will be tough to pass down the lane.