Tuesday Racing Tips from Andy Holding

ELLEON (NAP) (best price 5/2) is still awaiting his first success over fences but it’s not through lack of application and he’s fancied to be rewarded for his recent endeavours in a race similar to the one he was narrowly denied in last time out.

Outpointed close home by the rallying Onestepatatime at Sedgefield previously, Sam England’s gelding was well-fancied to gain compensation at Doncaster last time out and although he put up another brave effort, he couldn’t quite peg back My Bad Lucy who obtained first run after the last.

Interestingly though, the speed figure from that race 12 days ago worked out pretty good for the grade and with quick ground once again in favour of the son of Martaline, a change of fortune looks more likely than not.

COMEDIAN LEADER (best price 15/2) had his bubble burst to a degree at Wolverhampton last time out but, as the race didn’t really pan out in his favour, there’s more than a fair chance he can prove his good run of form still has some legs.

Held up towards the rear for all of his four previous wins this Winter, Gay Kellaway’s gelding was this time keen on the front end at the Dunstall Park venue and when push came to shove in the latter stages, he didn’t have the answers to the questions posed.

That said, he didn’t capitulate completely, keeping on well all the way to the line and on that evidence, it’s easy to see why connections have opted to step him up an extra furlong. In the hands of a jockey who knows him well and 3-3 at the track, the money-spinning three-year-old may not be a busted flush just yet.

Trainer James Evans has had quite a productive Winter with limited resources and one of those responsible for his healthy 30% strike-rate, MINTANA (best price 6/1), can keep the ball rolling for herself and her Worcestershire handler.

Largely disappointing on turf, the daughter of Havana Grey made an immediate impact when switching to the all-weather after a 101-day break and since then she’s gone on to add further success at Chelmsford.

Held up towards the rear unable to go the early gallop at the Essex track, the three-year-old grey still had a mountain to climb turning for home but proving very strong when it mattered most down the straight, she cut down her five rivals to win going away.

On the evidence of that display, a step up to six furlongs shouldn’t pose too many problems for this improving filly and with her pilot also fully in-tune with the way her mount likes to be delivered, the marriage between the pair is worth keeping on side.