UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

Walhaan may prove the best of the Irish raiders, but if ESPRIT DU POTIER learns anything from his hurdling debut, then the dual bumper winner may prove hard to beat. Fiercely Proud looks a huge danger if he takes to hurdles as expected, while the ex-French Flat winner Anamanda could get the better of the once-raced Wainwright in a fascinating battle for the places.
Prediction : 1st Esprit Du Potier 2nd Fiercely Proud 3rd Anamanda

Zwicky is sure to prove popular in his quest to land a hat-trick and Philip Kirby's inmate must enter calculations off only 4lb higher than his latest victory at Carlisle. However, it may be worth taking a chance on handicap debutant TOOMBRIDGE, who travelled with more verve on his third qualifying run at Newcastle in April, with the booking of Brian Hughes suggesting that a big performance could be imminent. Bushmill Boy, Ivane and Malangen shouldn't be far away either.
Prediction : 1st Toombridge 2nd Zwicky 3rd Bushmill Boy

Wasdell Dundalk has been in cracking form since August, as he hasn't finished out of the top two and he is likely to be thereabouts competing off the same mark as his second at Carlisle last time. However, preference is for UP HELLY AA KING, who was last seen filling the runner-up spot at Doncaster in March and he makes his return off the same mark. The veteran goes well fresh and could record his fifth career success. Of the remainder, Step Above makes the most appeal.
Prediction : 1st Up Helly Aa King 2nd Wasdell Dundalk 3rd Step Above

Each of the sextet is open to progression over fences and this should be an informative contest. Donny Boy has scope to do better with cheekpieces applied, while Present Fair is noteworthy on just his second start in a chase after a respectable third-placed finish on last month's return to action following wind surgery. Nevertheless, former point-to-pointer MIDNIGHT SHUFFLE has some decent hurdles form to her name and has the potential to do even better over the larger obstacles.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Shuffle 2nd Donny Boy 3rd Present Fair

NOWINITTOWINIT was a nine-length victor on her handicap bow at Perth in May and she should have plenty more to come on her return to the fray. She is only 2lb higher and could prove hard to beat. The main threat might be Aurora Thunder, who returned from a 132-day break to make the frame at Perth and should go well off a 2lb lower rating. Any market confidence behind Not Staying Long on her stable/handicap debut, with Brian Hughes booked, should be noted.
Prediction : 1st Nowinittowinit 2nd Aurora Thunder 3rd Not Staying Long

CHOOSE A COPPER justified strong support in the market when landing a 2m novice hurdle at Hexham on his Rules debut and Lucinda Russell's gelding may unlock enough improvement now upped to an extended 2m4f to defy a 7lb penalty. Winning pointers Milcree, Ivegotdapower and Smart Lady are all interesting debutants in this sphere. The former, an impressive winner at Sandon in April, is feared most, although the market is sure to prove informative in regards to the trio's chances.
Prediction : 1st Choose A Copper 2nd Milcree 3rd Ivegotdapower

Lucinda Russell is double-handed and the stable's chief hope would appear to be WALK ON QUEST, who was second between the flags in Ireland back in the spring, after which he changed hands for a six-figure sum. The Donald McCain-trained Isholo Du Vivien also brings solid point-to-point form to the table, winning well at Toomebridge just last month, and he is a danger. Battle Roar and Kinbara Firstdraft make the trip across the Irish Sea and are respected accordingly.
Prediction : 1st Walk On Quest 2nd Isholo Du Vivien 3rd Battle Roar