12:30 Ayr

After a fast start Olly Murphy has been a bit quiet recently but he has a good chance of a winner on Tuesday in SURE TOUCH (best price 7/4). This son of Yeats looked a nice prospect winning a bumper at Wincanton on debut at the start of the year and it shows what connections must have thought of him to pitch him into such a good race at Aintree on just his second start. He found Grade 2 company a bit too hot but I think it was more that sort of test coming too soon rather than him not being a horse that could contest in a race like that in time. If you look at the form now it has worked out notably well. He was back on track tackling hurdles for the first time when second at Southwell and I rate the winner Greatest Star so with usual progression he can win a race like this. Parisencore is the danger after a good second at Newcastle and the pair should battle this one out.

16:30 Newcastle

Despite being uneasy in the betting MASKED IDENTITY (best price 13/8) had no issue bringing up the hat-trick at Southwell last time. He was given a patient ride by Josephine Gordon and came sweeping past the whole field to win easily. He idled once he hit the front so was even value for a bit more. The handicapper has nudged him up a further 3lb but this looks a good opportunity for him to go in again. Teston is on a long losing run and he should go hard off the front. That should be a good thing as it means it won’t turn tactical and I don’t think he is in good enough form to get loose and hold on. Star Shield won over C&D last time but that was by just a nose and I have my doubts as to whether he can back that up here. I actually think Vindobala is a greater threat as she beat a subsequent winner over 7f here and that’s good form. Step back up to a mile may just end up catching her out though.