UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

JACKPOT D'ATHOU successfully made it two wins out of three starts over the smaller obstacles at Taunton last time. He beat a 122-rated rival that day and now makes his handicap debut off that mark, so Paul Nicholls' gelding could have a bit in hand. Point-to-point winner Dance Thief struck for the first time under Rules over track and trip on his latest outing and he could get into contention off 4lb higher, while Bluegrass is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Jackpot Dathou 2nd Dance Thief 3rd Bluegrass

Lily Du Berlais and Innatendue set the standard in this contest boasting ratings of 116 and 115, and the former looks the pick of that pair following her second at Catterick last month. However, SHAKEYATAILFEATHER is taken to improve past them both after producing the best effort of her career to fill the runner-up spot at Kempton last time. Dan Skelton's mare makes only her fourth start over hurdles and she looks the one to side with.
Prediction : 1st Shakeyatailfeather 2nd Lily Du Berlais 3rd Innatendue

Whistle Stop Tour got back to winning ways over an extended 2m4f here on his latest outing and he could improve for this step up in distance, so he has to be considered. However, the vote goes to CATCH HIM DERRY, who was only denied by just under two lengths by his stablemate Gwennie May Boy, who has struck twice subsequently, at Bangor in February. The six-year-old goes off only 5lb higher and he ought to go very close. Castle Rushen and Mt Fugi Park are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Catch Him Derry 2nd Whistle Stop Tour 3rd Castle Rushen

OUTLAW PETER has adapted well to chasing and, with last month's Kempton success looking particularly solid, the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding is difficult to get away from with a 5lb higher rating looking a fair assessment. Any further rain won't hinder the selection's chances and, with his usual partner Harry Cobden doing the steering, everything is in place for a big run. The hat-trick seeking Prairie Wolf and Heltenham complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Outlaw Peter 2nd Prairie Wolf 3rd Heltenham

Having had a wind problem addressed, THEFORMISMIGHTY showed stacks of improvement when romping home by 15 lengths in a maiden at Market Rasen last month, and the seven-year-old is open to any amount of progression now he is sent handicapping. Doddiethegreat is a good yardstick and can make it tough for the selection if he gets in a better rhythm than he managed in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham, while previous Listed winner Fonzerelli has to be of interest too.
Prediction : 1st Theformismighty 2nd Doddiethegreat 3rd Fonzerelli

SALAMANCA BAY wasn't for catching over this course and distance last month and could again be hard to reel in if he continues to progress. Fitted with a first-time hood on that occasion, the eight-year-old got better the further he went and, with the headgear retained, another bold showing can be expected. The progressive Royal Mer is officially 3lb well-in under a penalty for scoring at Wincanton, so has to be feared, while Beau Balko could be finishing strongly and is also taken seriously.
Prediction : 1st Salamanca Bay 2nd Royal Mer 3rd Beau Balko

DON'T TELL SU has been a bit costly to follow but broke through as his odds suggested he would at Wincanton and a mark of 117 for his handicap bow certainly looks workable. Billytherealbigred has been a revelation since going handicapping, although he is a massive 18lb higher than when completing a hat-trick at Market Rasen. Plaisir Des Flos is the one on a three-timer now and has been bumped up 10lb for a Wincanton triumph. Front View enters the equation, while Voix Du Reve wasn't in great form when he took this 12 months ago so this season's moderate efforts shouldn't necessarily detract from his chances.
Prediction : 1st Dont Tell Su 2nd Plaisir Des Flos 3rd Billytherealbigred

Castletown competes in this race for a remarkable sixth time, winning it once and finishing second twice, but while undeniably well treated in this sphere, he has been off since August. Lihyan has held his form well, although his regular pilot William Maggs gets the leg-up on Barrichello, who needs to rediscover some sparkle. Glen Cannel was well ahead of Better Getalong when third at Haydock but this can go to SEASETT, who possibly found an extended 2m5f too far when attempting to supplement a Carlisle success at Wincanton.
Prediction : 1st Seasett 2nd Glen Cannel 3rd Castletown