Wednesday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

LEADING FORCE (best price 7/2) made an encouraging start to his (belated) campaign at Musselburgh over hurdles and with that all-important run under his belt, a big run is anticipated on his first attempt over fences.

Clearly fresh and well after his 258-day break given the way he travelled for two miles of the 2m4f journey, the seven-year-old started to show signs of anxiety after jumping the third last but to his ultimate credit, he stuck to the task at hand admirably down the straight and to finish a close-up third to a couple of race-fit rivals was no mean effort.

Notably a non-runner in a novices’ chase at Hexham back in November, its clear connections have had his new career on their minds for a while and now likely to be a good deal sharper in all departments for that outing 33 days ago, this former point winner rates one of the most interesting runners in the field.

GREATGADIAN (NAP) (best price 7/2) shaped as though a return to a stiffer test than what he received at Southwell last time out would suit and with connections also coming around to that way of thinking, Roger Varian’s gelding can regain the winning thread.

Campaigned at distances mainly between 1m-1m2f throughout his career, the son of Siyouni ran so well over seven furlongs at Newcastle two starts ago, that he was allowed to do so again at the Midland venue 29 days ago. However, despite a strong pace, he never looked like landing a blow at the main players on the flatter track and third was about as good as he could have hoped for under the circumstances.

The way he finished off his race and time figure he produced in defeat strongly pointed towards him being in top form and back over a mile with hopefully Top Secret taking them along at a decent pace, the six-year-old is fully expected to have a say in the final calculations.