Horse Racing Tips: Wednesday’s picks are up your alley at Happy Valley

11.45am – GIANT TURTLE @ 11/1

Three of these runners contested a similar handicap over 1800m some 10 days ago, when Gala Night fared best in finishing third. John Moore’s charge had every chance on that occasion and given that both his victories have come over the 1800m trip, it’s not certain the extra 400m will suit here.

Preference is for Giant Turtle, which hasn’t hit the frame in nearly a year. He got held up on numerous times in that same contest 10 days ago and yet, wasn’t beaten far. He’s now 3lbs better off and he definitely has a squeak over the same course and distance where he last won.

On a career-low mark, he looks way overpriced here.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Horse Racing tips: Here’s 8 slick picks at Tampa Bay tonight
• Punter turns £7.50 into £2,550 with Lucky 15 Sunday strike
• Ruby Walsh: The 10 Sportsmen I admired most in my career

13.15 – SIMPLY FLUKE (NB) @ 9/4

Plenty went wrong for Simply Fluke over  course and distance three weeks ago yet he still managed to win. It’s worth noting that was also his first start for Doug Whyte and while he once again has to overcome the 12 barrier, he looks a horse on the upgrade.

Joao Moreira and Whyte have a 33 per cent strike rate from their last six runners and it’s definitely a huge positive that ‘The Magic Man’ stays loyal to the five-year-old even though John Size is represented by Super Alliances in the race.

14.15 – FLASH FAMOUS @ 15/8

Flash Famous has been a revelation so far this season, winning four of his seven starts, and there’s every chance he could go in again here. He took an age to pick up with when a fast-finishing second over course and distance last time out and Moreira rides for the fourth consecutive time, which is a huge asset.

The key is staying in touch over the 1650m and once he can do that, Frankie Lor’s five-year-old should win again.

READ:

• Why horse racing in the USA is still going ahead despite being stopped in UK and Ireland
• Ruby Walsh: Fear of being replaced was always present throughout my career

14.45 – WIND N GRASS @ 5/1

It’s always worth taking note when Joao Moreira teams up with John Size and in what looks a race where cases can be made for very few, the dynamic duo link up with Wind N Grass.

Moreira wasn’t on board two weeks ago when the four-year-old finished a hugely encouraging fifth after traveling like a winner. Wind N Grass was dropped 1lb for that effort, which was an added bonus.

A more prominent ride here can be expected and, in line with Moreira’s magic, that can be the difference in getting the job done.

15.15 – CINQUANTE CINQ (Nap) @ 15/8

While Moreira gets off Cinquante Cinq to ride Heavenly Thought, it’s most definitely worth sticking with the top weight here after an incredibly unlucky run over course and distance four weeks ago.

Benno Yung’s charge would surely have gone close if not having his run blocked and with Zac Purton now taking the reins, he must have a massive chance of compensation.

Incidentally, both of Cinquante Cinq’s wins have come over course and distance. At a price, Golden Spectrum is one to watch after he too was badly held up in running on his latest start.

The step up to 1650m will be to his advantage.

Paddy Power’s Tip Summary

11.45am – Giant Turtle

1.15pm – Simply Fluke (NB)

2.15pm – Flash Famous

2.45pm – Wind N Grass

3.15pm – Cinquante Cinq (NAP)

• All prices correct at time of publishing but are subject to change

READ MORE:

• Ruby Walsh: The Irish Grand National win that gave me no satisfaction 
• Brendan Duke’s five to watch for the Irish flat racing season
• Cheltenham 2021: Ruby Walsh’s 10 to watch for next year’s Festival