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15:00 Ayr War Department is starting to become a little frustrating now and burnt a few fingers when making his debut for this yard at Carlisle where he could only manage a well beaten fourth, having been sent off the joint favourite. Often slowly away it and a lazy type during his races it will be interesting to see what tactics Fanning attempts to employ, that all being said todays extra furlong looks likely to suit and as such he is afforded a final chance to outstay these. Lawyer has been in decent form of late and made no mistake at Nottingham the last day, when winning cosily. Penalised 6lbs for that victory he really ought to go close again today but he’s only had 6 days rest and this could come a bit soon. Fray has twice served notice of an imminent victory and on both occasions it has been at this venue, the problem with her is that she has to come from behind and as such almost always finds some sort of trouble in the run. Tadaany is slipping back down the weights and would be of interest if the market spoke loudly and although Tanawar has a bit to do on recent efforts, he will likely find a race before long. War Department (WIN)
16:00 Ayr This looks plenty tough enough and the Irish have sent over a few challengers to further complicate matters. Strategic Heights has never won on turf in twelve attempts but will be lucky to find an easier opening than this back in his native Ireland. A multiple winner at Dundalk he must have a major chance if consenting and is the one to beat, his turf record is off-putting however and he will be taken on despite being feared. Catwilldo is another strong Irish challenger and she won nicely at Down Royal over this trip last month. Quite why the handicapper saw it fit to punish her with a 9lbs penalty for that success is beyond me but she could prove up to it against this moderate bunch. Blue Sonic won this last season and is 1lbs below her last winning mark, a three time course winner her rider removed the hood late when a fair 4th here the last day and a repeat effort today would make her very interesting. Bunce and Lady Wootton have chances on the book and deserve respect but a chance will be taken on Blue Sonic mowing them down late in the day. Blue Sonic (E/W if 9/2+)
20:00 Ffos Las This represents a massive drop in class for the top weighted Fire Ship and if he failed to win or put up a very big effort today it would be time to debate whether he’s gone at the game. Without a win since 2013 hardly inspires confidence but he has performed with credit on numerous occasions in top grade handicaps and a reproduction of any of them would easily suffice here. Kummiya won a tactical affair the last day but is well bred and the form of that victory has twice been boosted by the runner up. Roger Charlton’s 3 year old probably has improvement left in him and he does look the most likely should the top weight flop, though Lilbourne Prince and Alcatraz deserve respect. Fire Ship (WIN)