Orkney wins at Carlisle and another busy Ayr day with 8 declared runners

A quieter and slightly milder sort of day but the weather still stuck in the same pattern.  Delighted with Orkney Blue winning at Carlisle last week, finally rewarding his owners’ patience by turning into the type of staying chaser we always hoped he would be.  Our other three runners all ran with credit so a good day.

On to Ayr tomorrow where we have 8 runners declared on ground that is now generally soft with good to soft places.  About as good as we are going to get at the moment with it being so wet in the east, hence we are keen to send out plenty of runners, unfortunately others have thought the same and again for a weekday card at Ayr the racing is mostly very competitive.

We start off with Dom riding Burning it Up in the conditional jockeys hurdle at 13.35; the horse that narrowly beat him two weeks ago has won well since so our hand is forced somewhat as I am sure we will be going up in the handicap tomorrow; he seems in great form and a repeat of Newcastle would see him go close. 9 run.

Ozzy Cosmo runs in the 14.05; he would prefer better ground but a small field and lack of alternative options has encouraged us to let him take his chance and hopefully he can get his career back on track. 5 run and Conor rides.

We are double handed in the 14.35 with Old Comrades (Conor) and Whathaveyou (Bruce).  Old Comrades appeared weak at Kelso last time but he may just have needed the run as we were very kind with him through the autumn.  He has plenty of potential and whilst I hope he will run better tomorrow it may be next season before we see the best of him.

Whathaveyou ran a nice race to be a good 5th last time and I expect him to improve for the step up in trip providing he settles early on. 11 run.

Ballyfort makes a relatively quick reappearance in the 2m chase at 15.05, whether that is wise I’m not sure especially if the ground is holding rather than wet.  To be honest I’d expected fewer runners but he’s in good order and is a course and distance winner so can hopefully leave his last run behind.  9 run and Bruce rides.

We run Betterbedefinite in the staying hurdle at 15.35; he ran really well over course and distance a month ago on ground that I thought was too soft for him.  Any step forward from that effort would see him involved at the business end, he has a 4lb pull with the winner that day having been beaten 4l. 9 run and Bruce rides.

Jirko runs in the staying chase at 16.05 having run very well over course and distance on his last two starts.  He should give a good account again particularly if he can get into a good rhythm with his jumping. 12 run and Bruce rides.

Finally we run Oor Wish in the mares bumper at 16.35; she ran really well here on debut last time and so long as this doesn’t come soon should take a nice step forward.  She should also appreciate being against her own sex but the opposition from Ireland does look strong. 7 run and Bruce rides.