TAMAROC TO TOPPLE OPPOSITION

15:00 Ayr

Allmankind is a short priced favourite here and will go off in front as he has done his whole career. He has won a Novice at Warwick, a Grade 2 again at Warwick and the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices chase at Sandown. He is a top-class novice chaser who’s front running style is ideal for bossing small fields. Last time out on the Arkle at Cheltenham he went off a bit too hard, but Harry Skelton knew he had Shiskin just sat in behind. There is nothing of Shiskin’s class here and Allmankind is the best horse on show here. That said he has been on the go since October, and this will be his fourth graded race of the campaign. This is also Allmankind’s first attempt at 2m4f, I am not sure his style will be suited by the extra distance, at around Evens I want to take him on today.

Whoshotthesherrif has been progressing steadily this season and loves this type of ground. He followed a good third in a competitive handicap with a novice win at Catterick beating Evander by 15l. He needs to improve again here and may be better at 2m.

Malystic hasn’t been seen since running in a jumpers bumpers event in January. He will need also need to improve to land this and as a front runner could be out of his comfort zone with Allmankind blazing a trail.

My selection will be Paul Nicholls Tamarac Du Mathen who after a light campaign has been kept fresh for this. He has notrun since winning over this distance in a Grade 2 at Kempton in February. The step up to 2m4f seemed to suit him last time. He has only had three runs this season and whilst his form is not as strong as the favourites it is not that far behind. He comes here as a rapidly improving fresh horse proven over the distance and can sit in behind Allmankind and come through to win in the last couple of furlongs. He can be followed home by Whoshotthesheriff.

TAMAROC DU MATHAN (WIN)

written by Steve Marriott