Four runners at Ayr on Tuesday

The prospect of softening ground has certainly perked up the racing plans here at Dodlands for there are 4 stable representatives at Ayr on Tuesday. A bumper and a hurdling debutant will both be running with the future very much in mind, but there are a couple of handicap hurdlers that would appear to be able to be competitive.

What is probably our best chance on the day is first up in the 1.20 where Bonny Houxty lines up for the extended 2m 4f Conditional Jockeys' Mares' Handicap Hurdle. It was just 14 days ago that the mare ran a fine race when 4th in a 16 runner event at Newcastle on good to soft. Today's heavy conditions and a step back a couple of furlongs should be in her favour as well as the 2lb drop in the handicap. On the slight downside is that our go-to Conditional Jockey Theo Gillard (who rode Bonny last time) is in the middle of a 3 day ban but Oakley Brown (claims 5) is a very capable replacement.

There are 2 or 3 horses in the field coming into this race in good form. Kinneston Nick's Atlantic Dancer and Lucinda's Your Place should be in the mix as well as Listed Hurdle winner Desaray Girl who heads the weights of the Class 5 0-100 handicap and it wouldn't take much of a return to form for her to prevail here.

Still, as long as this race hasn't come too soon, Bonny Houxty should give a good account for owner-breeders Bill & Carol Aitchison.

Bonny Houxty (Connor)

Next up at 1.55, So Many Roads makes his hurdling debut in the 2m 4f Maiden Hurdle.
We're quite happy with the progress of this gelding since his debut run in a bumper in late December and he runs here to gain experience with next season very much in mind.
It's quite a hot novice with a mixture of horses who've run well in bumpers, or have winning Point form, or have shown promising hurdling form. Oh, and there are several with proven handicap hurdle form too.

Phew!

The Crawford Bros. send over The Flier Begley who as well as possessing useful bumper form was an extremely promising 4th at Navan on hurdling debut. Brian Hughes doesn't ride though.....
Charm Offensive and Alison's Mount Melleray have hurdles form in the book while Hughes does ride Geordie's Dream (by the much maligned NH Sire Geordieland) who looks sure to progress from his 3rd place finish on hurdling debut, to add to his useful bumper form.

And one not to leave out is another of Kineston Nick's in the race - Gaillimh A Star. The form of his Irish Point win took a boost when the 3rd horse won a maiden hurdle for McCain at Uttoxeter last month.

Fascinating race - best of luck to Craig Nichol and 'Lucky Dave' Leslie and his cohorts. Enjoy the day.

So Many Roads (Callum) seen tracking stablemates Shoeshine Boy & Nights In Venice

Stolen Money has been raised 8lb for his success at Haydock at the end of the year, and we'd very much have liked to run again in the meantime as he was in such sparkling form at home. He may not be at quite that level now, but he takes his chance here in the Handicap Hurdle over an extended 3 miles at 3.40.
Craig Nichol takes the ride in the stable colours.

While our lad is progressive, that label can also apply to a couple at the top of the handicap. Ned Tanner is in fine form but this will be his first attempt at a handicap while Lucinda's Green Vault would seem to be the one to beat and is on a treble. Not harshly treated with a rise of 9lb for 2 back-to-back handicap hurdle successes in January.
Ian Duncan's Ayr standing dish Jessiemac also comes into the race in a fine vein of form.

Stolen Money on the right with Connor

And so on to the concluding bumper at 4.50 - another very interesting and potentially competitive race.
Previous winner Time for Hollie only carries a 4lb winner's penalty and this has tempted Kim Bailey & David Bass to make the long journey north. Their only runner.......
She'll be hard to beat but this is no one-horse-race by any means. The Crawford Bros. have a couple in the race with the selected appearing to be El Pappochapo with Brian Hughes.
Nifty Getaway (Watson/Scholfield) will surely do better than on her debut while Tim Read's She's A Steal ran a fine 3rd on debut a couple of lengths in front of Lucinda's Its A Midnight who re-opposes here.
Lucinda also runs the unraced, attractively bred Tika Too with a very useful-looking NH pedigree as has Melchoir who hails from a smart dual purpose French family.

Craig Nichol is in the saddle for Ron & Eileen Smith's home-bred Ellistrin Star. She's a likeable filly and is one we think will do better next season.

Ellistrin Star (Laura)