Back to Ayr with 7 runners tomorrow and so nearly at a stormy Newcastle

The sun is shining!  Whatever next, been a rare site this month but very welcome thank you.  Very nearly a fairytale comeback for Dom in extreme conditions at Newcastle yesterday; Burning it Up just denied on the nod in a photo – so close but great to have the horse back to form.  Same can’t be said for Half Track though happy to excuse him in the conditions.

On to Ayr tomorrow where we have seven declared runners having withdrawn L’Appel du Large from the bumper due to the rain yesterday.  The ground is soft following yesterday’s rain, likely to dry back a bit and could be tacky.

Same for them all and we start with two runners in a competitive looking 2m 4f handicap hurdle at 13.43, both wearing first time cheek pieces, Eloi du Puy (Bruce) and Coconut Splash (Kit).  Eloi ran much better back over hurdles last time and is creeping down the weights so ought to run a big race if a planned change in tactics works out.

Coconut Splash drops back in trip again and is also coming down the weights, we still haven’t found the key to him and he is getting on but he is lightly raced and certainly seems in good form at home – 13 run.

Donny Boy returns to the track and takes on two classy opponents in the 14.13; Wendigo is the current leading British hope for the 3m Novice Chase at the Cheltenhan Festival and Maximilian was a proper graded performer over hurdles.  Silly to run in some ways but after 425 days off it is great to be able to bring him back over his optimum course and distance in a small field rather than pitch him straight back into a busy handicap.  A nice run to show he retains his ability will suffice – Bruce rides.

Kelso winner Cavalier du Luy runs in the 14.43; a classy looking novice hurdle with three other previous winners.  We’ve always thought the world of this horse so it will be interesting to see how he fares as he was only just beaten over course and distance on yard and rules debut back in November.  It may be that he will require further to show his best but he ought to put up a bold show – 9 run and Bruce rides.

We have two runners in the staying handicap hurdle at 15.13 both of whom are getting on and haven’t shown much form recently.  As a result they are now well below their peak ratings and if they can show their old spark would be very competitive.

Gaillimh a Stor (Dom claiming 10lb) did run much better for a long way last time and is now wearing a visor, Theme Tune is showing plenty of zest at home now and found Haydock on good ground much too sharp last time having run over an inadequate trip prior to that.  Hopefully both can run with credit – 13 run.

Finally we run recent course and distance winner Ballyfort in the 15.43; this is a better and busier race but he loves it round Ayr and is in good form so should run well again – Bruce rides and 11 run.