UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

AZZURI was well backed ante-post for the Red Rum at Aintree before being withdrawn on account of the ground, and he has attracted support ahead of this contest too. Dan Skelton has given him a wind operation since his latest start at Newbury, he is down to a very attractive mark, and he won at this meeting 12 months ago. Magic Saint could be better suited by a flatter track having disappointed in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, while Mcgroarty, another to miss Aintree due to softer ground, remains unexposed over fences and may have more to offer.
Prediction : 1st Azzuri 2nd Magic Saint 3rd Mcgroarty

Kilfilum Cross warrants a fair amount of respect for his fine second in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and he should have further progression to come on only his fifth chase start. Drinks Interval (second) and MOLLY THE DOLLY (third) chased home Grand National runner-up Magic Of Light in a Listed contest at Newbury just before Christmas, but preference is for the latter because she has been freshened up and the drop in grade can see her back to winning ways. Azzerti and Onefortheroadtom might both appreciate the step up to 3m.
Prediction : 1st Molly The Dolly 2nd Kilfilum Cross 3rd Azzerti

REDICEAN has been supported in the betting over the last few days and looks to have a solid profile for this contest. Fit after a spell on the all-weather, he remains unexposed over hurdles and this drying ground promises to suit. Dino Velvet has done it well the last twice and gives Alan King a strong hand in the race, while Mister Fisher receives weight from Verdana Blue and Brain Power so could prove best of the Seven Barrows trio.
Prediction : 1st Redicean 2nd Dino Velvet 3rd Mister Fisher

The return to a flatter track should suit JLT seventh Castafiore, who jumped well from the front in Grade 2 company at Haydock and Kempton earlier in the year. Preference, however, is for SECRET INVESTOR, who was behind Charlie Longsdon's mare in the Pendil but failed to give his running. His subsequent romp under new tactics at Wincanton suggested he's back on track. Ballywood is favoured by the weights and also commands respect.
Prediction : 1st Secret Investor 2nd Castafiore 3rd Ballywood

Beware The Bear has been a revelation since fitted with blinkers, having won his last two starts at Cheltenham, and he has to warrant a fair amount of respect despite carrying top weight. Dingo Dollar has been targeted at this since a fine third in the Ladbrokes Trophy, when one place ahead of Beware The Bear, on ground softer than ideal. A sounder surface is also what CLOTH CAP seems to require and Jonjo O'Neill's gelding remains open to significant improvement on just his fourth outing over the larger obstacles as he searches for a hat-trick of wins. Crosspark, Vintage Clouds and Takingrisks are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Cloth Cap 2nd Dingo Dollar 3rd Crosspark

Solomon Grey performed well for second, behind the reopposing Big Time Dancer, in the Lanzarote at Kempton in January and both must be considered - the Dan Skelton inmate in particular because he arrives here fresh. Big Time Dancer was down the field in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival and although he's much better than that, CARTWRIGHT's sixth in the race represented yet another solid effort in a competitive big-field handicap and this could be his turn to strike.
Prediction : 1st Cartwright 2nd Solomon Grey 3rd Big Time Dancer

COURT DREAMING was last seen in winning form at Kelso in November and Nicky Richards' gelding looks open to further improvement on his sixth outing over timber. Legalized has improved her form over the winter and bids for her third victory in four outings on her handicap bow. Others to consider include top-weight Potterman, who ran a decent race when fifth at Kempton in February, and Stowaway Magic, who is likely to benefit from a much sounder surface.
Prediction : 1st Court Dreaming 2nd Legalized 3rd Potterman

Nicky Henderson has won five of the last nine renewals of this race with the likes of Sprinter Sacre and William Henry featuring on the roll of honour. This year the master of Seven Barrows is represented by O CONNELL STREET, who put in an encouraging performance when finishing second on his debut at Market Rasen last month. If he can improve for that experience then he can add to his trainer's fine record in the race. Mam Trasna and Sheshoon Sonny both bring winning form to the table and have to be respected, while Chess Player and Guy complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st O Connell Street 2nd Mam Trasna 3rd Sheshoon Sonny