1.55 Newbury

MIDTERM (Best price 9-4) follows in the footsteps of some illustrious predecessors in the John Porter Stakes with the likes of Maraahel, Harbinger, Arab Spring and Dartmouth all prepared by Sir Michael Stoute to win the notable prize in the previous decade. The selection boasts such a good record fresh, but showed signs of keenness last year on occasion last year which may have been why his handler was reluctant to step him up to a mile-and-a-half other than in the Prix Niel where he was an honourable second. Hopefully, he has matured for another winter on his back and can make a winning return stepping back up in trip.

Midterm - 1pt @ 9/4

2.30 Newbury

The fillies’ trial looks a shade perplexing unless punters make the decision to side with man-of-the-moment John Gosden and row in with the favourite Dabyah. She clearly has very strong claims given her placing in a French Group 1 at the backend of her juvenile campaign, but is priced accordingly and I would rather risk a little on RAIN GODDESS (Best price 9-1) who already has the benefit of a run this term courtesy of an encouraging effort in a similar event at Leopardstown. The selection sprung a 50-1 surprise when winning for her former connections at the same venue on her debut last season and she was anything but knocked about on her reappearance in a strong trial on her comeback.

Rain Goddess - 0.5pts e/w @ 9/1

3.05 Newbury

The pathway to Guineas weekend continues at Newbury today with two fascinating trials and, having been mightily impressed with BARNEY ROY (Best price 10-3) on debut at Haydock, I am hopeful he can step up on that display in the JLT Greenham Stakes. The clock backed up the visuals to suggest Barney Roy is a viable contender for a Classic this summer and it is no surprise that Godolphin snapped him up from previous connections following that debut triumph. The power displayed by the selection in the final furlong of his debut performance was very taking and this afternoon’s venue should play to his strengths as he looks a strong galloper with a turn of foot.

Barney Roy - 1pt @ 10/3

3.40 Newbury

Jockey-turned-lawyer James Millman warned me his father’s MASTER CARPENTER (Best price 25-1) would need the run first time out in the Lincoln at Doncaster so it was encouraging that the stable stalwart was only beaten four lengths despite being drawn on the disadvantageous stands’ side. With that run behind him and a better draw today, the attractively-handicapped gelding could make an impact at a price on a typically ferocious handicap. He is no good thing, but Master Carpenter is becoming increasingly well treated these days and hopefully there will be some pace on the far side to carry him and Lulu Stanford into the contest.

Master Carpenter - 0.5pts e/w @ 25/1

2.10 Ayr

A good test at today’s trip appears to suit FLYING ANGEL (Best price 9-4) and he has enjoyed a relatively light campaign so should arrive fresher than most. The selection made amends for an unfortunate run in the Arkle at the Cheltenham festival when staying on powerfully to repel Cloudy Dream over two-and-a-half miles at Aintree and he looks a stronger stayer at the trip than his old adversary. Clan Des Obeaux has looked a star on occasion this term, but a mixed campaign has left a few questions that are yet to be answered. He did at least get back on track with a much needed confidence booster at Exeter and could continue his revival with a bold showing.

Flying Angel - 1pt @ 9/4

2.45 Ayr

Trainer Alan King appears to hold a strong hand in the Scottish Champion Hurdle with Winter Escape and SCEAU ROYAL (Best price 9-1) but it is the latter I favour at the prices and with the ground likely to be coming right. The drying conditions should really assist Sceau Royal who has been butting heads with the likes of Yanworth and Buveur D’Air of late and his handler has utilised a useful conditional’s claim to reduce his burden.

TOMMY SILVER (Best price 12-1), winner of the Plumpton Champion Hurdle, will love the likelihood of a strong pace and is respected as he looks to be getting his act together now. He is worth a saver with four places on offer and his yard remaining in blistering form.

Sceau Royal - 0.5pts e/w @ 9/1
Tommy Silver - 0.5pts e/w @ 12/1

3.20 Ayr

Nicky Richards landed this race two seasons ago with Duke Of Navan and I wonder if this has been a long-term plan for SIMPLY NED (Best price 11-1). The selection will find this competition a little easier than going up against the likes of Fox Norton and Douvan and it’s worth noting that is unbeaten on both of his starts at the west Scottish venue. There is a chance that at the age of 10, the fire may not burn as brightly as it once did, but that is factored into the price and the fact remains this is a sizeable class drop from contesting a Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Simply Ned - 0.5pts e/w @ 11/1

3.55 Ayr

Victory for VINTAGE CLOUDS (Best price 16-1) would hand rider Danny Cook a measure of redemption after he was forced to pull up Definitly Red, his mount in the Aintree version, when his saddle slipped. Today’s ride was in the process of running a fine race on both occasions he has come down late in the peace, not least when half a dozen lengths behind Bristol De Mai three starts ago before departing three fences from home. The majority of the seven-year-old’s best performances have been achieved on flat, galloping left-handed tracks so it was encouraging he could run so well at Cheltenham last time in the race won by Un Temps Pour Tout. Sandwiched between those two untimely departures was a fine effort behind Vieux Lion Rouge and Blaklion in the Haydock National Trial, a race in which Grand National-fifth Gas Line Boy was fourth. Vintage Clouds has yet to win over fences, but that has been no barrier to success in this type of race recently - just ask Rule The World’s connections – and Sue Smith’s gelding is taken to shed the maiden tag today.

As it is a race with National in the title, it would be remiss not to take a punt at a huge price, especially if that horse loves Ayr and is prepared by the Champion trainer. Paul Nicholls may not have that title for long, but success for VIVALDI COLLONGES (best price 33-1) may ensure next week’s Sandown finale has a little more riding on it regards this year’s championship. On both occasions the Nicholls-trained eight-year-old has visited Ayr he has bolted up and, while the stats suggest he can’t win off his weight or that he is an unproven stayer, I can’t resist a tiny bet at his morning odds for a horse that clearly loves Scotland in the spring.

Read Sam Turner's tips in the Daily Mail every day or at www.dailymail.co.uk/racing

Vintage Clouds - 0.5pts e/w @ 16/1
Vivaldi Collonges - 0.25pts e/w @ 33/1