UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

Dan Skelton likes to target this meeting and looks to have an ideal candidate for this in the shape of FRERE D'ARMES, who had to settle for second when looking to bag the hat-trick at Ascot. The winner has scored again since, while this six-year-old gets to run off the same mark, which could prove very beneficial. Last year's chief protagonists Return Ticket (first) and Malystic (second) are back for more, while Elixir De Nutz had been in excellent form before a disappointing effort in the Grand Annual.
Prediction : 1st Frere Darmes 2nd Elixir De Nutz 3rd Return Ticket

CITY CHIEF took another step forward when landing the Towton at Wetherby and the steadier of 12 stone may not be enough to stop Nicky Henderson's progressive chaser from completing a hat-trick. Reynoldstown winner Oscar Elite was far from disgraced in fifth in the Ultima at Cheltenham and a bold bid is expected, while Sail Away is capable of better now returned to 3m. Handicap debutant Where It All Began and Temptationinmilan represent the Irish challenge and they can't be discounted in a competitive contest.
Prediction : 1st City Chief 2nd Oscar Elite 3rd Sail Away

Last year's winner Anna Bunina heads to post in a bid to retain her crown, but she's now 12lb higher than for that success and it might be worth taking a chance on another previous winner, MILKWOOD. Neil Mulholland's charge was impressive when coasting home to beat the aforementioned in the 2021 renewal. He's not been at his best so far this season but, from 4lb below that winning mark, it would be no surprise were he to shine back at this venue. Colonel Mustard appeals as a key player following his second in the Morebattle, along with Nemean Lion, who landed a Grade 2 at Kelso last month. First Street and Soaring Glory should not be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Milkwood 2nd Anna Bunina 3rd Colonel Mustard

BALCO COASTAL can be forgiven his disappointing effort when failing to beat a rival home in the Turners Novices' Chase at Cheltenham last month as the ground had turned against him. However, a reproduction of his penultimate start when chasing home the likeable Gerri Colombe at Sandown gives him strong claims. Thunder Rock didn't appear to stay when sixth behind The Real Whacker in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase and should find this more to his liking. Hang In There will appreciate underfoot conditions and is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Balco Coastal 2nd Thunder Rock 3rd Hang In There

Fresh from landing Aintree's big prize with Corach Rambler last Saturday, Lucinda Russell has an excellent chance of winning this contest for the second time with YOUR OWN STORY. The seven-year-old has always promised to benefit from an extreme test of stamina, as shown when scoring over 3m7f at Wetherby on his penultimate start, and makes plenty of appeal following his subsequent second at Haydock. Monbeg Genius was third in the Ultima at Cheltenham to Corach Rambler and has to enter calculations, along with 2022 runner-up Kitty's Light.
Prediction : 1st Your Own Story 2nd Monbeg Genius 3rd Kittys Light

If lining up (declared to run here on Friday), this may prove easy work for HUGOS NEW HORSE, who rattled off four wins in a row before a fine third in Grade 3 company at Sandown. The second, fifth and eighth from that contest have all won since and he could prove a class apart in this company. Serious Operator drops in both grade and trip on his handicap debut and could ask most questions, while Kihavah and Glinger Flame also have place credentials.
Prediction : 1st Hugos New Horse 2nd Serious Operator 3rd Kihavah

Better Getalong was third in this race 12 months ago off the same mark but he isn't getting any younger, nor is the consistent Castletown. In contrast, Leading Force is just starting out really, and enters the handicap ranks on the back of four consecutive seconds. EUCHAN FALLS supplemented a Musselburgh win when following up over this C&D, and lost little in defeat when fourth in a Kelso class 2 last time. Mike Smith's six-year-old might be the one to beat under his light weight.
Prediction : 1st Euchan Falls 2nd Leading Force 3rd Castletown

Luckie Seven built on his debut second at Doncaster when winning at the same venue last month and Nicky Richards' gelding should remain competitive, despite being saddled with a 4lb penalty. CATO CAPONE, however, makes slightly more appeal. His form is tied in closely with Lecky Watson, who finished a fine fourth in the Champion Bumper, having been awarded a race against that rival at Punchestown. Whosmydaddy was an easy winner of his sole point-to-point in January and any market support would increase interest.
Prediction : 1st Cato Capone 2nd Luckie Seven 3rd Whosmydaddy