14:15 Ayr

I thought ROWDY RUSTLER was a big eye-catcher on return finishing second at Newcastle. Derek Fox gave him a quiet ride that day and he seemed to travel strongly throughout. Once asked to try and close on the long-time leader he did have quite a bit of ground to make up. I thought it was noticeable how well he jumped even when under pressure and while he couldn’t get past Slanelough late it was still a really encouraging effort. He is sure to improve from that first start for 289 days and that coupled with the form being hugely franked since he must have a big chance here. The third Hidden Commander had won heading into that race and then found himself back in the winners enclosure at Sedgefield next time out. Even the horse that finished last The Paddy Pie beat a decent yardstick in Karl Philippe at Wetherby next time out so lots to like.

15:00 Plumpton

I liked the way Atakan won here on return and he wasn’t disgraced pitched into a tougher race at Hereford last time. He could still have more to come so is feared but I’m sticking with the in-form BLAME THE GAME for Chris Gordon. This horse is thriving having won 4 of his last 5 starts now and stayed on gamely to win convincingly at Doncaster last time. He looks well handicapped off a mark of 110 and the way he has stayed on the last twice he looks ready to tackle this trip again. He will likely be ridden forward and if he gets into a decent rhythm again will be tough to pass. Pemberley isn’t getting any younger but shaped well in defeat when second to Tallow For Coal at Lingfield and if building on that could get competitive. I See You Well won nicely at Sandown and likes this track so even though he failed to fire somewhat in this last year he is respected.