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Tag: Ayr

  • Four To Follow – Gold Stars

    Four To Follow – Gold Stars

    It’s another busy Saturday of racing, with racing from both sides of the border. On the West Coast of Scotland, it’s the Ayr Gold Cup for the big sprinters. But down in Berkshire, it’s all about the two-year-olds in the Mill Reef. Three Group races plus the big handicap of the day feature in today’s four to follow.

    Ayr

    Mere Mortals

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    3:00 – Firth Of Clyde Stakes (Group Three) – Englemere @ 15/2 (William Hill)

    This year’s renewal of the Firth Of Clyde is very tricky. Looking at the trends of winners for the last ten runnings, you have to have some experience. Very rarely does a horse, who’s one from one, win. That’s led me to fall on Englemere. She has plenty of experience at such a young age, but she has had three victories, two coming on good ground. She was last seen behind Flying Childers winner Aesterius at Longchamp, and with the form backed up and the step up in trip looking to suit her, she will be in the finishing pack.

     

    He’s Electric Gold

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    3:35 – Ayr Gold Cup (Heritage H’cap) – Jordan Electrics @ 14/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Jordan Electrics has proved to be a revelation this season. He has risen through the ranks, and established himself as a top level sprinter at the ripe old age of eight-years-old. Most of his wins this season came at Hamilton, but produced a good finish when second to Jm Jungle at York last time out. Today, he’s drawn near pace Angle Lethal Levi in stall 17, which will prove crucial if he’s to end up towards the winning post at the end of six furlongs. Plus he’s upgraded from Bronze, which he was third in last year, to Gold this year.

    Other potential winners include Strike Red, who ran a creditable eighth at The Curragh having to navigate a wall of horses. Before that he was in a bunch finish in the Constantine Handicap in the Ebor Festival. Hold up horses have had success here, just ask Bielsa, so drawn over on the far side in the least pacy part of the draw might not necessarily be a bad thing for him. 16/1 (William Hill).

    Dare To Hope was the winner of the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon a month ago, and the handicap might just work out for him. He’s risen, on average, three pounds per run, which puts him low in the weights for his run here. Drawn next to Lethal Levi, he can easily latch on for pace and can more than improve on his seventh at the Ebor Festival. 28/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Newbury

    The World All Over

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    1:30 – World Trophy Stakes (Group Three) – Annaf @ 7/2 (General)

    Ignore his latest Group One blip, and focus on a more acceptable race and Annaf makes more sense. Yes he wasn’t good in the Sprint Cup, on his first run back since winning a Group Two in the Middle East. But he’s now dropped to an acceptable level, into a Group Three. Last season, at this time he won two races, including the Portland and the Bengough Stakes so Autumn is his time to shine in Britain. Just hope he doesn’t carry the same condition as he did at Haydock.

     

    Brian

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    3:15 – Mill Reef Stakes (Group Two) – Brian @ 6/1 (General)

    Brian.

    An incredible name for what seems to be an incredible horse. He’s racked up two wins already, including the £100,000 Somerville Auction Stakes at Newmarket. And was charging home late in the day behind Symbol Of Strength in the Sirenia at Kempton. He has a liking for soft ground, which is what the ground reads at Newbury this afternoon. Definitely one to upset the powerhouse of Godolphin.

    The very best of luck!

  • Scottish Grand National 2024 | Three Willie Mullins considerations for Ayr

    Scottish Grand National 2024 | Three Willie Mullins considerations for Ayr

    After last weekend’s Randox Grand National at Aintree, Saturday sees Ayr take the baton for the Coral Scottish Grand National and Willie Mullins could again be in the frame.

    Won last year by Kitty’s Light – a fifth-placed finisher in Liverpool – the Ayrshire showpiece is becoming a bigger pointer of future stayers than ever.

    For Mullins, the king of Closutton can cap another sensational term on UK soil after Paul Townend’s stunning win on I Am Maximus.

    Having sealed a second Grand National win, Mullins can make it a double swoop away from home.

    But with a total of six entries, which three look the best punt?

     

    Spanish turn – (17/2 w/Betfred)

    At the top of the markets, both Spanish Harlem and Macdermott are pushing newly-installed favourite Git Maker as SP fancy, but it is the former who looks the more appealing.

    After finally ending his long wait to ride a Grand National winner, Paul Townend looks to tick one of the few remaining boxes off on his card, the Scottish equivalent.

    On a rare visit to Ayr, Spanish Harlem is getting some real punter interest in the final hours before the race.

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    On of the youngest entries, the 6yo made his debut only 10 months ago but his record is more than decent.

    However, this will be the sternest test to date of a fledging race career.

    Having won as a debutant in native France, Spanish Harlem has gone seven without a win, but has been at worst third in all but one of those contests – his only non finish was being pulled up in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last year.

    With a run of 3-3-3 this season, this will be a sizeable step-up in trip, but the whispers around the Mullins camp say he can make the jump.

    We are inclined to agree.

     

    A ‘Credible take? (11/1 w/Unibet)

    Meanwhile, despite two failed attempts in marquee outings this year, Mr Incredible remains a draw.

    Finishing runner-up to Beauport in the Midlands National, the 8yo has no concerns over distance, which may apply to a number of runners here.

    Mr Incredible was unfortunate to unseat Brian Hayes last weekend, having recovered from a faltering start.

    Furthermore, on ground which looks similar to the going at Cheltenham from his third place in the Kim Muir, Mr Incredible can make a mark.

    Now more than used to the trip, over fewer and less challenging fences, Paddy Mullins can take his mount one step further than last month.

     

    Wan to watch (33/1 w/BetUK)

    Further down the weights, Mullins could have a handy hoper in We’llhavewan.

    Though more of a heavy ground performer, the 9yo gelding has won two of his last five.

    Sire of former Prix De Paris winner, Imperial Monarch, the draw of We’llhavewan is not just his name, but his versatility – on paper at least.

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    Wins have come not only in the mire, but also on yielding/soft turf and took home victory on good ground at Ballinrobe last May.

    Not only that, the gelding also ticks a bit of a box with his last four trips over 3m+, last time out over 3m5f in the Irish National at Fairyhouse.

    Grabbing a final sixth place there, We’llhavewan might just put on a better show in Ayr.

     

    The 2024 Coral Scottish Grand National takes place at Ayr on Saturday, race time 15:35 BST.

  • Four To Follow: Do Us Ayr Favour

    Four To Follow: Do Us Ayr Favour

    Three Nationals on the bounce, from Ireland to Aintree and now Ayr. It’s all gearing up to be a fantastic seven days in the trainers’ championship, with Willie Mullins going all out to win the title after success in Liverpool. But now we’re in the seasonal period where the jumps criss-crosses with the flat, so we’re treated to two cracking cards today. Let’s see who makes the cut.

     

    Ayr

    Fortune In Our Favour

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    2:25 – Scottish Champion Hurdle (Grade Two) – Favour And Fortune @ 11/2 (Boylesports)

    Favour And Fortune was last seen finishing sixth in the Supreme at Cheltenham, a race which was been boosted heavily thanks to a one-two from Mystical Power and Firefox at Aintree. Favour And Fortune also finished second in a Grade One at Aintree back on Boxing Day. However, he’ll like the ground and is weighted fairly, alongside the Pertemps winner L’Eau Du Sud. He’s got something’s in his favour in a hot contest.

    With it being a limited handicap, some at a bigger price may make appeal. Afadil is one. A consistent performer for Paul Nicholls, he easily won the Scottish County Hurdle in February. The he finished fifth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and was third last week at Aintree. He remains on the same mark and as a result, comes to Ayr in the lower order of the weights. Nice each-way play, 12/1 (BetVictor, Betfred).

    Petit Tonnerre has been going chasing this season but didn’t work out for him and was hastily put over hurdles in the County, finishing one from the rear. For that performance, he’s been dropped four pounds, three pounds below his last winning hurdles mark. He was placed at this level last season and has every right to turn around a sharp drop. 20/1 (Betfred, Boylesports, BetUK).

     

    Git Making Us Rich

    3:35 – Scottish Grand National (Premier Handicap) – Git Maker @ 7/1 (General)

    Jamie Snowden has been actively prepping Git Maker for Ayr’s premier race. A stayer of some quality, he completed a hattrick of wins at the start of the season. He bounced back to form at the Festival when eight lengths behind Inothewayurthinkin, who impressed at Aintree, boosting the form. He also is unbeaten in Spring, with just two start in April and May, so will go well at this time year.

    My Silver Lining has been nothing short of impressive this season, never dropping outside the top three finish. Since his win at Warwick, he’s produced two gutsy performances on testing ground in the Grand National Trial at Haydock and in the Midlands Grand National. The Midlands National is often a precursor to this race and has only been raised two pounds. Ultra consistent, he shouldn’t be too far away from the frame. Each-way at 18/1 (William Hill).

    Ontheropes makes a little appeal for me. He hasn’t had a great time coming back from a long break, pulling up twice and finishing midfield last time out. However, he has dropped to a mark of 141 which was his last winning mark back in the 2021 Munster National. A lot has happened since then, but he is a proven stayer with a fourth in the 2021 Ladbrokes Trophy (now Coral Gold Cup) to back it up. Ayr could be the track where we see him at his best. He might not look to have a chance, but never write off any Mullins horse. Long-shot at 50/1 (William Hill).

     

    Newbury

    Call Up The Army

    2:40 – Greenham Stakes (Group Two) – Army Ethos @ 15/2 (BetVictor)

    Despite being bred by sprinters; Army Ethos did look as though he could go a bit further when finishing second in the Coventry at Ascot. Trainer Archie Watson had big hopes, with the Prix Morny or Prix Robert-Papin in his sights. Sadly, we didn’t see him again until he finished a little weaker than most though up at Newcastle. But the Coventry form is looking brilliant now, with Haatem winning the Craven, who Army Ethos beat. Everything points to improvement with this horse.

     

    A Winning Ticket

    Spring Cup Handicap – Thunder Ball @ 9/1 (William Hill)

    A trend with Thunder Ball is that he seems to go well after his first run after a break. And that’s what today is. After a decent enough finish in the Lincoln, he looks to go a bit better on good-to-soft ground, which he likes. He stays at his mark of 101, with Alec Voikhansky taking off five pounds. He improved a lot last season and will make a nice handicapper throughout this season.

    Racingbreaks Ryder is another who goes well in the Spring with his only win of the season last year coming in May. He then never impressed in any other handicaps, but is now down to a likeable mark. He’s only one above last year’s winning mark, which makes him appealing at 18/1 (BetUK).

    Alpha Crucis is another that goes well at the start of the season. A winner at Windsor last April saw her book end it with a win at Goodwood in October. She had a good run in the Lincoln, finishing fourth which the handicapper has dropped her a pound for. He comes into this race at the very bottom of the weights, further enhanced with Anna Gibson taking a further seven pounds off. Every right to run well at 22/1 (William Hill).

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Razing The Gold Bar

    Four To Follow: Razing The Gold Bar

    As we near the end of the flat season, we’re starting to work out the best of the best. But that’s put on hold for the moment, as we head up to Ayrshire for another big sprint handicap worth its weight in Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Ayr Gold Cup takes centre stage and I’ve picked out three over the border plus one in the Mill Reef to make today’s Four To Follow.

     

    Ayr

    Not Jumping just yet

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    2:25 – Ayr Silver Cup H’cap – Jump The Gun @ 8/1 (Betfred)

    Jump The Gun returns to this race 10lbs lower than last time. He hasn’t had the most stellar of seasons, tumbling down the weights until a fantastic run last time out in a handicap at Doncaster. He’s back up to a class two handicap and shouldn’t’ find it too difficult from stall 12. Last year he was denied a clear run, but a good break and a bit of luck will help him and William Pyle.

    Another horse low down in the weights who catches the eye is Aplomb for Eve Johnson Houghton. Very lightly raced this season, and returns to the Silver Cup seven pounds lower than last year’s effort in sixth. A near miss last time out at Goodwood has him in good form, and has a nice each-way price on him at 11/1 (Betfred)

    And what is a big Ayr sprint handicap with a few Jim Goldie runners. The Renfrewshire trainer saddles three here, but I like Be Proud at a big price. His best efforts coming over the six furlongs, so excuse his run in the Racing League, and he’s on softer ground today. Mark Winn may have only had one win in the last two weeks, but he takes a crucial three pounds off here and has a chance at 28/1 (William Hill)

     

    Talking ‘bout my Generation

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    3:00 – Firth Of Clyde Stakes (Group Three) – Great Generation @ 5/1 (William Hill)

    This race doesn’t really produce future classic winners, but it can produce some fairly decent type fillies. She’s unbeaten and won with plenty in hand last time out at Chester. She’s by Holy Roman Emperor and will like the cut in the ground today, as she has on her previous two runs. She poses a significant danger to the favourites and I’m taking advantage of that.

     

    Raze the roof

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    3:35 – Ayr Gold Cup (Heritage H’cap) – Orazio @ 15/2 (Betfred)

    The big one is headed by Orazio, who hasn’t turned up in the big sprints. Both runs in the Wokingham and the Steward’s Cup were disappointing to say the least. But he’s back on sounder ground here for the Ayr Gold Cup. and has been kept fresh by Charlie Hills, which is a big plus in my books. He’s drawn right near the rail in stall 23, and all these positives mean I just can’t look past the favourite.

    The next best in the race doesn’t come much closer than Significantly. He ran an absolute stormer in the Portland and has been rather underestimated all season. He’s on the same mark as last week’s run and he’s low in the weights. What more could Julie Camacho want? His performances in handicaps at this level this season have been 262, which puts him bang up there at the finish. Well found in the market at 9/1 (Betfred).

    Fast Response caught my eye when the declarations came out. His mark of 103 may look too much to handle, but Brandon Wilkie’s seven pounds puts him at a workable mark of 96, a pound above his winning mark in the Wentworth. He drops in trip to six furlongs after racing at seven this term, and wasn’t too far away in the Queensferry last time out. Interesting at 12/1 (Betfred)

     

    Newbury

    A small selection

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    3:15 – Mill Reef Stakes (Group Two) – Array @ 5/1 (Betfred)

    Winners of this race commonly come from a Group race last time out, particularly the Sirenia at Kempton. The one who follows that line of form is Array for Andrew Balding. He wasn’t too far behind Starlust on the Tapeta, but he’s back on a sound turf surface today. He’s by No Nay Never and plenty of black-type runs in the family. He’s improving all the time and can work the Sirenia form in his favour.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four to Follow Scottish National Tips

    Four to Follow Scottish National Tips

    After a successful Saturday, and a profitable Aintree, the action turns to Ayr for the third National in less than two weeks. All eyes are on the Scottish National, and I’ve four horses on the card to watch for.

    1:15 – Scotty Brand Handicap Chase – Return Ticket @ 7/1 (Betfred, BetVictor)

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    Always a good little contest and I’m looking for the value in the race. Frere D’Armes looks to be a deserved favourite, improving all the time in the season, but the price he has is far too short to side with him. Instead I’m going with Return Ticket at 7/1, who won the contest last year. He was off a mark of 137 last year and is a pound lower this time around. Conditions will suit and can provide some stiff competition to the short-priced favourite.

    2:25 – Scottish Champion Hurdle – Soaring Glory @ 11/2 (General)

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    A competitive contest, made more competitive thanks to it being a limited handicap. Colonel Mustard is the favourite, but he can be taken on due the handicap nature of the race. Soaring Glory doesn’t look fantastic on recent form, but his last winning mark was 143. He had a good run in the 2022 Betfair Hurdle, and has raced only twice since. The mark should pay dividends and conditions won’t be a problem. Milkwood, who won the 2021 edition, is 4lbs lower than her win in this race and presents the each-way value.

    3:00 – Future Champion Novices’ Chase – Balco Coastal @ 9/4 (William Hill)

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    Balco Coastal has been there or thereabouts this season, but the form from the Scilly Isles has, just about, worked out. The Grade One hopes haven’t worked out, so this seems to be more to his level Three pounds better than the next best at 150, he’s the one to beat. Telmesomethinggirl, for me, is overpriced with her weight allowance. She’s used to racing against other mares, but may just sneak into the placings ahead of Thunder Rock.

    3:35 – SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL – Your Own Story @ 7/1 (General)

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    Monbeg Genius and Kitty’s Light have been fancied for this race for a long time, but I think they can be opposed. Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox won the Grand National last week, and I fancy them to do the double with Your Own Story. Marathon runners are the ones to side with, and Your Own Story loves a big trip. Won a marathon race at Wetherby, and nearly won one at Haydock last time out. The handicapper has been kind raising him 4lbs, and makes him very light in the weights. He’s the one for me at 7/1.

    Manothepeople for Fergal O’Brien, who’s had a stellar season, is also one who’s been hammered in. Was around 25/1 in the week, has halved in price to 12/1 generally. He’s had a great novice season, and looks to be a marathon runner for the future. I’ve seen his two wins at Chepstow in person, and he was very eye-catching. The weight makes him appealing to back, and there’s 14/1 prices available, with BetUK.

    Half Shot could do something at a massive price. The race that catches the eye was his run at Kelso last month, finishing a head behind Bill Baxter. Bill Baxter franked the form at Aintree, the third has finished second and won on its next two starts. Fourth finished second next time out, and the fifth won on her next start. And Half Shot finished second in his next race, but was 8-and-a-half-lengths clear of the rest. His mark may have inflated, but he could deliver some good prize money for a yard who have had a terrible time of late. 50/1, with Betfred, is worth a small each-way tickle.

    The very best of luck!

  • 2023 Coral Scottish Grand National: BestBets at Ayr

    2023 Coral Scottish Grand National: BestBets at Ayr

    As National Hunt season winds down, April still has two main acts to play.

    Before the Punchestown Festival begins on Tuesday with five days of Class 1 evening racing in County Kildare, Saturday sees the third National of the month.

    Just as I Am Maximus at Fairyhouse and Corach Rambler rode to victory last weekend at Aintree, Saturday sees Ayr’s turn in the spotlight for the Coral Scottish Grand National.

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    With three fences (27) and 2f less (4m) than its Merseyside sister race, the Scottish National was last year claimed by Rob James on board 13/2 Win My Wings at a canter.

    With 23 runners currently pencilled in for the weekend, who might be prominent in Western Scotland for the £112,000 prize?

    Here are our picks.

     

    Your Own Story

    J: Derek Fox, T: Lucinda Russell

    A narrative dream, could Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell complete a unique National tale with Your Own Story?

    The team who saw Corach Rambler storm to Randox Grand National glory, the duo will buoyant of their chances north of the border.

    Even so, the last horse to win both Scottish and Grand Nationals was Earth Summit in 1994 and victory for Nigel Twiston-Davies’ ride win was a platform to his Aintree win four years later.

    Twiston-Davies was also the last trainer to win both races and has won at Ayr three times – most recently in 2009 with Hello Bud.

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    Here, Lucinda Russell could win her second after Mighty Thunder in 2021.

    Your Own Story has been runner-up four times in seven runs this term, with a winner in last month’s Long Distance Wetherby Handicap.

    With three runs at Ayr to date, a third, fifth and most recently second in the Marlene McPherson, the 7yo is ready to step up.

    Looking to write his own script, Your Own Story is currently 8/1 across the board.

     

    Flash Collonges

    J: Harry Cobden, T: Paul Nicholls

    Well it wasn’t quite Harry Cobden‘s day at Aintree, but could he fare better on board Flash Collonges?

    Having travelled well on Coko Beach last weekend for 3m of the Grand National, Gordon Elliott’s fancied 28/1 8yo was eventually pulled up at the penultimate fence.

    After a superb National Hunt campaign, it feels like Cobden needs one final marquee win to cap his season off and it could come at Ayr.

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    For a trainer in Paul Nicholls who won this race back-to-back in 2017 and 2018 with Vicente – only the third horse to have done so in post-war times – the Gloucestershire native also knows how to come out on top.

    The 8yo of the Gi-Gi Syndicate won last time out at Newbury and his other more recent form reads third and two runners-up spots at Exeter and Chepstow.

    A gelding who has a happy record in Scotland with a prior win in the bet365 Handicap Hurdle at Kelso two years back, Flash Collonges can deliver a trip at a shortening 14/1 with William Hill.

     

    Cap Du Nord

    J: Nick Scholfield, T: Christian Williams

    Looking to win successive Scottish Nationals, Christian Williams has a double shot 12 months on in the form of last year’s runner-up, favourite Kittys Light and Cap Du Nord.

    We are hedging for bigger value with the latter.

    Three years Kittys Light’s senior, the 10yo was an eye-catcher in winning the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot back in February.

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    His only win of the season and a horse who struggles on the firmer turf, the expected rain to come in Ayr should suit well.

    A gelding who will prefer the tackier ground, he won last year’s National Trial at Kempton in the Coral Trophy, when, conveniently, Cap Du Nord beat his rival stablemate at 11/2

    Having ridden just once on Scottish soil in March 2021 when pulled-up, Cap’ will be looking for better favour and has the pedigree to impress.

    Can be snagged at 18/1 with most bookies.

     

    Half Shot

    J: Conor O’Farrell, T: Iain Jardine

    Finally, if you are after a big-price punt, Half Shot might be one to consider given his good form in the land of the Saltire.

    With two wins in six outings this term, Iain Jardine has trained his 9yo to runners-up spot in the last three races – twice at Kelso.

    Having won a Handicap at Perth almost a year to the day, two victories on Scottish shores is a promising history to come into this contest with.

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    Carrying less into this race, this is still a big step-up in trip having going over 3m just one time before – his last outing at Kelso.

    Nevertheless, if he does travel well, he could catch a few off guard.

    Unlike his handicap here, at a weighty 40/1 with Betfred, Half Shot may not have his glass half-full this weekend.