Wednesday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

Time may tell AUTOCRAT (best price 4/1) had zero chance of defeating a horse of A Piece Of Heaven’s quality here last time out but now at a level where he should find life more compatible, James McAuley’s inmate has excellent claims of maintaining his handler’s superb record in races of this nature. 

Trying two miles for the first time here 12 days ago, the three-year-old was held up towards the rear and although he did his level best to make up the deficit on the all-the-way winner in the straight, the combination of a brutal gallop for the grade and challenging on the slowest part of the track (inside) eat away at his resources late on. 

That said, despite getting licked five lengths, he still recorded his fastest ever speed figure and providing he can carry the same level of form back to a trip four furlongs shorter, the son of No Nay Never has every chance of regaining the winning theme against largely unreliable opposition. 

VELASCO (best price 3/1) went well for a long way at Newcastle last time out until lack of a previous outing overwhelmed him late on, but with that all-important run under his belt, Susan Corbett’s gelding is expected to stay in the game right till the end and give himself a chance to add to his previous C&D success. 

Off the track for 159 days prior to shipping up at the Gosforth Park venue, the seven-year-old was ridden with plenty of intent and having set a reasonable pace from the outset, he was still in there pitching turning for home. Joined at the second last, it soon became apparent, however, his legs were beginning to buckle and once gobbled up by the eventual winner, Tune In A Box, he could only plug on for third. 

MCVAY (NAP) (best price 11/4) shaped with a huge amount of potential on his racecourse debut here last week and in a race that lacks any great strength in depth, it will be a surprise if jack Davidson’s inmate doesn’t go close to breaking his maiden tag.

Promising in a barrier trial at Naas during the summer, the son of U S Navy Flag carried a bit of confidence behind him based on his position in the market and although he failed in his bid to reward his supporters (unless they backed him four places), he strongly suggested it was only money lent. 

In midfield as the main players cracked on at a decent pace up front, he made up a huge amount of ground to join issue over a furlong out but no sooner as he looked a major threat, the effort to make up the deficit took its toll and he eventually faded into fourth. 

Nevertheless, his performance still goes down as a incredibly position one, backed up by a strong time figure and with today’s furlong less seen as a big boost to his prospects, a good break from his inside gate should see him a potent force throughout and at the business end.