RACE PREVIEW & TIPS (MONDAY)

16:10 Ayr The sixth race on an eight race card from all the way up in Ayr will be the scene of today’s best bet. There’s a small handful of course and distance winners who all deserve respect, especially the five year old Betty Grable, who hasn’t finished outside of the top two in her last five races. She’s sure to be in the thick of things once again but this perhaps look a more competitive race than she’s been used to. Another course and distance winner that needs an abundance of close attention is entering the veteran stages of his career Gworn. At the age of nine he’s had his fair share of racing but it’s interesting to note that of his 64 flat races he’s never competed in a Class 6 race. It’s also very telling that of his 8 career victories, five of the have been with jockey PJ McDonald who climbs back onboard having not ridden him for his last nine starts. With 15 pounds less weight on his back since he last tasted victory these signs all point to a much improved run. Although he’s won over a mile before I’m not completely convinced with today’s trip but he looks to be in the running this afternoon. Lucky Violet is very consistent and any horse that trainer Linda Perrett sends here to Ayr needs noting. Of the younger runners both Ventura Royal and Gworn’s stable mate Rosemay are by far the best of the rest. GWORN (WIN)

19:00 Beverley

We can only assume that the handicapper will catch up with Ginger Jam’s impressive form of late, sooner, rather than later. With another 2 length win in a large field he’s been penalised with a further 8lb rise but the nature in which he has cruised to victory in his last two outings leave me thinking theres still a bit more left in the tank. Both of those wins came here at Beverley and he seems to have found his home at 5 furlongs and gets the trip again this evening.

Course and distance winner Gamesome, arrives back in search of a win here. Although he’s seeking a hat trick today it’s been a long time since he got ahead on this track. His recent form however, cannot be denied, so I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see him up in the mix. Finally, it’s well worth taking note of the form of Tim Easterbys horses in this type of race. His horse Afandem goes again and was eye-catching defeat in his last two races. It was Gamesome who got the better of him by a nose at Carlisle so it will be interesting to see where the pair land here with the ever improving Ginger Jame thrown into the mix.

GINGER JAM (WIN)

The Cambridge News – PicksfromthePaddock.co.uk:

19:00 Beverley – GINGER JAM (WIN)

The Jersey Evening Post – Rory Paddock:

16:10 Ayr – GWORN (WIN)

East Anglian Daily Times – Dean Kilbryde:

16:10 Ayr – MYWAYISTHEONLYWAY (WIN)

Norwich Evening News – Chris Connolly:

20:30 Beverley – ROSY RYAN (WIN)

Ipswich Star – Matt Polley:

20:00 Beverley – KINGS PAVILLION (WIN)