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14:30 Ayr
I plumped for Rebecca Bastiman’s ROARING FORTIES when seen recently at Musselburgh just five days ago. He finished mid-division that day and I feel a step up in trip looks a very positive move despite never tasting success over this distance. I don’t want to follow him off a cliff but this former course victor, who resides on a very attractive handicap mark, could finish in the mix.
ROARING FORTIES
14:40 Yarmouth
Although potentially unfair to the remaining four opponents this looks a bit of a two horse race between three year olds Crystal Pegasus and NASRAAWY. Obviously Sir Michael Stoute’s runner demands the upmost respect but I’m siding with John Gosden’s charge.
Never outside of the top two in four starts he finally claimed his first success at Salisbury. A very convincing three length winner when returning from a 50 day break after being gelded. He looks to have improved and seems to be on an upward curve.
NASRAAWY
15:00 Ayr
A mix of experienced handicappers and up and coming, lightly raced youngsters this looks a great contest and I think it’ll be the lesser experienced participants that take the spoils.
The Godolphin owned Dubai Icon returns to action after a 200 day absence and a gelding operation but after a muddling winter in Dubai he returns to UK soil. He’s claimed three wins from four starts in Britain and if overcoming a lengthy absence could go well. That being said however I’m siding with a horse who’s got the advantage of racing recently. SPIRIT DANCER claimed his first success at the third time of asking when last seen at Ripon. This is a marked step up in class and a 7lb rise in weight makes this tougher but this three year old by Frankel who’s owned by Betfred Boss Fred Done and the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson should relish the softer ground and has room for a tonne of improvement.
SPIRIT DANCER
16:20 Pontefract
The final race of this seven race Yorkshire based card looks very very tough to call but HAMMER GUN looks set to play a part. The seven year old course and distance winner was seen as a dangerous outsider at Doncaster last time but failed to threaten. He’s unbeaten over course and distance so a return to this venue looks a promising step. He’s been in very poor form so needs to be approached with caution but could go well at potentially a big price.
HAMMER GUN
17:00 Ayr
This sprint contest sees four your old MID WINSTER hold a solid chance after a more encouraging fourth placed finish at Doncaster last time out. Now dropping down in class and with a solid performance under his belt this term a big run can be expected in this ultra competitive affair.
MID WINSTER
17:35 Ayr
Making his second start for Yorkshire based trainer David O’Meara HERMAN HESSE looks capable in this large runner field. Fourth in a similar race at Haydock last time he should improve for his last run. A drop in trip should be of benefit as will the booking of Danny Tudhope in the saddle. Of course a case can be made for plenty but it’d be foolish to ignore the chances of the three year old.
HERMAN HESSE
written by Rory Paddock
TWO FOR TONIGHT
Later this evening Chelmsford host an all-weather card where pundit Rory Paddock finds a duo that you won't want to miss.
Find out which horses right here!