14:25 Mon 08 May 2023

AYR RACECOURSE SUPPORTS INJURED JOCKEYS FUND HANDICAP (6)

Distance 6f

Prize £3,664 Rated (0-60) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 13

Going Good to Firm

1. Freedom Flyer: In fine form this term, scoring at Thirsk in April and twice in the frame off a 5lb higher mark since. Merits serious consideration off an unchanged mark with this return to 6f a plus.
2. One Last Hug: Course winner who comes here in decent nick. Can’t be discounted despite being 1lb out of the handicap.
3. Cheese The One: Dual 6f winner for Rebecca Menzies last September. Wasn’t disgraced in her recent Southwell race and is one for the shortlist back in trip now.
4. Stay Smart: Arrives on a long losing run and has offered little in recent races, but blinkers are reached for now with something to prove.

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.

14:55 Mon 08 May 2023

ALICE’S 70th BIRTHDAY HANDICAP (4)

Distance 1m 2f

Prize £5,574 Rated (0-80) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Good to Firm

1. First Impression: Last of eight in a 1m2f Newcastle handicap in March but posted a creditable sixth over hurdles here recently. This C&D winner can’t be dismissed.
2. Highwaygrey: C&D scorer who returned with a promising third of 13 in a 1m2f Haydock handicap nine days ago. Merits serious consideration off the same mark.
3. Society Red: Got back on track in first-time cheekpieces when second of eight in a 1m2f Ripon handicap 18 days ago. Needs considering with a 1lb increase and the headgear retained.
4. Glasses Up: Arrives on a lengthy losing run but wasn’t disgraced when fourth of 14 in a 1m4f handicap at Musselburgh eight days ago. This five-time C&D winner can’t be ruled out.

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.

15:30 Mon 08 May 2023

RETRAINING OF RACEHORSES (ROR) MAIDEN STAKES (5)

Distance 1m

Prize £4,320 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 7

Going Good to Firm

1. Abu Royal: Improved on debut run on the AW when a close second, clear of the rest, behind a useful yardstick at Thirsk last time (1m, soft). Sets the standard.
2. Eagle Day: Has shaped well on both starts, over 6f at York as a juvenile and over 7f on Tapeta in February. A possible contender, but not certain to be suited by this step up to a mile.
3. Mount King: Bought for 22,000gns out of Joseph O’Brien’s yard in October and subsequently gelded. More exposed than most but has a chance based on his second in a maiden at the Curragh in September (1m, yielding to soft) as the third, fifth, and sixth have all won since.
4. Golden Move: Golden Horn half-brother to smart 7f winner Mount Athos (by Dark Angel); didn’t show much when sixth of eight on Leicester debut last season (7f, good, 80-1 shot). Much more needed to compete here.

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.

16:05 Mon 08 May 2023

DEBRA #FIGHT EB HANDICAP (5)

Distance 6f

Prize £4,187 Rated (0-75) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 5

Going Good to Firm

1. Little Muddy: Goes well on soft so will be suited by any rain. Has had two good runs over 5f and 6f at Doncaster this season (missed the break last time). Another good run on the cards.
2. Rock Melody: Ex-Kevin Philippart De Foy, bought for 12,000gns in November. Creditable runs in two 5f handicaps at Musselburgh on his two starts for Jim Goldie (not clear run on first occasion). The step up to 6f should suit, but a muddling gallop would be a negative.
3. Black Friday: Hasn’t won since October 2021 (made most), but had a good run at Musselburgh on reappearance (5f, good to soft, Rock Melody 1l back in fourth). 6f suits, but is rather inconsistent. Has a chance on his best form.
4. Gannon Glory: Won a Pontefract novice (5f, good to soft) for Declan Carroll in April last year. Mixed efforts for him and Richard Fahey over 5f/6f since (below form last twice).

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.

on the rankings and comments, here are my top 4 picks with assessments for the race:

16:35 Mon 08 May 2023

MAMMA MIA EXPERIENCE AT WESTERN HOUSE “CONFINED” HANDICAP (5)

Distance 7f 50y

Prize £4,187 Rated (0-75) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 6

Going Good to Firm

1. Tellus: Prominent racer, has run well over 7f but got off the mark over 6f last time, just holding on to win a Pontefract novice (good to soft). Was clear with a subsequent winner there, so form is solid and has a chance.
2. Rock Of England: 6f Thirsk winner on debut last season, had a good reappearance run at Haydock (1m, good; travelled well but either needed the run or didn’t quite stay). The drop to 7f is fine, but the forecast rain and reapplied cheekpieces are a concern (worst runs in 2022 were on good to soft and in first-time cheekpieces).
3. Royal Cay: Showed improved form to win at Beverley on reappearance (7.5f, good to soft), staying on well to get up close home. However, this easier 7f may not be ideal.
4. Camusdarach: Doesn’t look easy (unseated and injured rider in paddock on second start in 2022); pulled too hard on reappearance but has a chance on his last two runs on the AW in 2022 (7f/1m).

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.