Fresh today, westerly wind, odd shower and quite cold still but can feel spring is round the corner.  Soft ground at Ayr tomorrow and forecast suggests that it will be wet rather than holding ground.  Hope so as we have 5 horses declared all of which have nice each way chances if they run to their best.

First up is Orkney Blue in the 13.50; he won nicely at Carlisle last time and seems in good fettle.  Up 6lb for that win so has to progress again off top weight, a nice opportunity for him to do so if it doesn’t come too soon – 6 run and Kevin Brogan rides.

Orkney Blue

The G Wizard is our runner in the 14.25; he has been runner up on his last three starts and whilst this race comes quickly enough he is an improving young horse and ought to be involved so long as he handles this softer surface – 6 run and Bruce rides.

The G Wizard

Dubai Days takes a drop back in class in the 15.00; this gives him 12st 2lb and aside from weight he also has to give 3-5 years to all his opponents.  Will be tough but barring his last run at Aintree (which you can put a line through) he has been a wonderfully consistent horse for the yard who has usually come good at this time of year.  Fingers crossed a revival will be on the cards despite his advancing years – 7 run and Bruce rides.

Dubai Days (Kim)

We run Eloi du Puy in a competitive looking handicap hurdle at 16.00; he was a good 2nd last time over course and distance and reopposes the winner that day on 6lb better terms (beaten 6l) and is 1lb worse off with the 3rd that we beat 1/2 a length.  We are also 4lb better off with last year’s winner to whom we were 3rd in last year’s renewal beaten 4l.  So the handicapper is doing his job well and it ought to be a four way dead heat not to mention the other 7 runners!  Interesting, Eloi is in good order so can hopefully run well – 11 run and Bruce rides.

Eloi du Puy (Kit)

Finally we run Kingsman Mail in the 16.30; he has run well in defeat over course and distance on both his starts to date and ought to give another good account tomorrow.  Hard to tell what we are up against though I note one was snapped up for a mere £220k in November after winning its point to point so guess will be hard to beat – 5 run and Dom rides.

Kingsman Mail

At Newcastle yesterday Boolamore Classic ran better for a long way but was hard work for Bruce prior to tiring in the home straight.