The middle day of Ayr’s Western meeting and the ground is likely to be drying out all the time with no rain forecast.
2.00 Ayr
PREMIER OPTION was beaten a nose when racing up the far side of the track at Catterick over five furlongs last time giving every impression the selection would be well served by a step up in distance.
His breeding suggests that he will get at least six furlongs and it is worth noting that the winner has subsequently followed up at York from a rating of 77. I will be disappointed if Tim Easterby’s juvenile was not competitive from an opening mark of 72.
Richard Fahey has saddled the winner of this valuable nursery for the last couple of years and he saddles top-weight Ramazan who ran well in a valuable nursery at York’s Ebor meeting last time. He is one of a number of dangers in a hot heat.
Recommendation: Premier Option EW at 8/1 with 10Bet
5.20 Ayr
I thought ECLIPSE DE LUNAR would have won at Wolverhampton last time with a clear passage although he only beat one home in a five-runner race! He has been dropped 1lb for that effort and is blinkered first time in the finale as he bids to follow up last year’s win in the corresponding race.
The classic generation have won the corresponding race five times in the last six years and there is a strong 3-y-old representation again today, but Eclipse De Lunar is 10lbs lower than when scoring here 12 months ago and he gets the each way vote although a draw in stall twelve is a negative.
There was 14/1 available on Thursday afternoon but that didnt last long.
Recommendation : Eclipse De Lunar EW at 7/1 ew at William Hill 4 places
4.03 Newbury
SACRED is a rare sort in that she is a William Haggas inmate who has yet to win this season, but I expect to see her bounce back to form dropped back in grade to listed company.
The filly has raced exclusively in Group company since winning a Newmarket maiden on debut and her C&D win in the Hungerford Stakes last August suggests 7f on this flat track on good ground is her optimum conditions.
Saleymm made all at Haydock last time and the hope is that he adopts the same tactics for the selection who can strike fast and late under Tom Marquand.
Recommendation: Sacred at 7/4 with William Hill
4.35 Newbury
MAHRAJAAN was taken out of a race at Doncaster on Sunday on account of the good to soft ground and he is fitted with a tongue-tie for the first time by William Haggas in the competitive mile-and-a-half handicap.
The selection has run consistently well in good handicaps all seasons save for bombing out in the Magnet Cup at York, but he can race from the same mark as when third back on the Knavesmire last time.
Berkshire Rebel has been off the track for three months having been gelded since disappointing at Royal Ascot last time. He has been dropped 4lbs for that run and does have bits of form which suggest he is potentially well treated. A market move would be worth noting.
Recommendation: Mahrajaan 3/1 at William Hill
4.30 Newton Abbot
The Composeur has dropped to a good mark and first time out may be the time to catch him. Another who I will be having a close look at to see if the market speaks in his favour.
Joey Steel threw away the race by lugging out to his right when caught close home by MINELLA VOUCHER over C&D earlier in the month, but I think the winner will confirm the form on 10lbs better terms including the 7lbs claim of Toby Wynne.
The selection did not get the best of runs last time and I believe, given a clearer passage, he would have run out an emphatic winner. L’Air Du Vent and Eye Eye Charlie should ensure a decent test and the selection carries just 10st this afternoon. He would be carrying an additional 4lbs from the weekend.
Recommendation: Minella Voucher at 9/4 with William Hill
