Wednesday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

BROUGHSHANE (best price 11/4) acquitted himself with great credit on his second start under rules over today’s C&D a month ago and with the strong possibility he will be able to see out his race a little better with that all-important run under his belt, Jonjo O’Neill’s charge can continue the good run of results for his yard.

Having his first run since running out at the second on hurdling debut at Ascot 404 days prior, the six-year-old was well supported despite his absence and for three quarters of the journey at the Welsh track, it looked like he was about to justify his position in the market. Unfortunately, no sooner had he cleared the third last, lack of an outing began to take its toll and from that point onwards it became an exercise of nursing him home to save him for another day.

Even allowing for the fact he was eased down; the speed figure of the race was such he still managed to post a respectable number in defeat and with today’s event containing many with slight points to prove, he could well turn out to be the answer to the puzzle.

HAJEY (best price 5/1) enhanced his excellent course record at today’s Yorkshire venue with a gritty success last time out and under similar conditions he can go a long way to repeating his victory in this race last season.

Setting a reasonable test in the conditions from the start, Tracy Waggott’s inmate looked in trouble as his two main market rivals converged on him two out, but rallying bravely to the cause, he rose from the dead to ultimately pull nicely clear on the run-in.

Although on first inspection, the form doesn’t appear anything special, the data from the race 27 days ago reveals it was run at a fair clip and when you consider he had to endure the worst of the conditions (last race on the card), his performance was even more meritorious.

Not including an unseat at the last when seemingly having the race at his mercy, his form figures at today’s track read 211 and even though he faces several rivals who add an extra dimension to what he’s normally used to, the ever-reliable seven-year-old is fancied to put up another bold bid.

TRUE TESTIMONY (best price 9/2) looked to have a similar contest over today’s C&D in safekeeping until just picked off late on but there was a lot to like about the way she went through the race, and she is well worth another chance to finally get off the mark.

Having caught the eye with the way she finished off her race in a hot maiden hurdle against the boys at Naas on hurdling debut, Pat Fahy’s mare was much more prominent in the betting against her own sex here last time and for nine tenths of the 2m3f journey everything went to plan. Even when she was eventually headed by Saddle Her Up, she still rallied bravely all the way to the line and with the pair well clear of the rest, connections would have no doubt come out of the race with mixed feelings.

Seemingly happy to bowl along at the head of affairs, expect similar tactics to be employed on her return visit and with today’s market leader, Jolie Coeur Allen, not looking the most obvious of stayers, the five-year-old can put it up to her and the rest of the field from an early stage.

MINELLA BLUEWAY (NAP) (best price 3/1) has progressed gradually with each run under rules and following a breakthrough success over today’s C&D last time out, he looks poised to meet handicap company head on off what appears a workable opening mark.

Well backed prior to his latest test at the Welsh venue, the six-year-old moved with menace from the start and after picking up the running going well from three out, he always looked in full control of the situation.

Eventually pulling well clear to the tune of 11 lengths, the son of Champs Elysees clocked a good time figure for a race of its type and with the added advantage of knowing he stays today’s trip well, he makes far more appeal at the morning odds than market leader Lowry’s Bar who, up to now, has only been racing over two miles. Evan Williams will also have a good guide into the favourite, having trained the 102-rated Out Of Focus to be a close up third behind him at Wincanton last time out.