UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

NORTHERN AIR stepped up on her racecourse debut in a bumper to finish runner-up on her hurdling bow at Wincanton in April, when held up off the pace for the majority of the contest, and she is likely to progress again on the back of subsequent wind surgery. Fergal O'Brien's mare gets the vote ahead of the consistent Step Out, who has not been outside the first two in his last three starts. A promising third on his Rules debut here in March, Saracen Beau is of interest on his first attempt over obstacles, as is point-to-point winner My Kiwi Girl.
Prediction : 1st Northern Air 2nd Step Out 3rd Saracen Beau

A taking winner over 2m4f at Worcester when last seen in August, IRONHILL has since switched yards, and a 4lb rise could prove lenient as he looks to notch up a third career success. It was only late in the piece that Wal Buck's got the hang of things on chase debut at Perth in May, and stepping up in trip on this occasion looks like a good move. Experienced at this level, Euchan Falls and Grand Voyage are capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Ironhill 2nd Wal Bucks 3rd Euchan Falls

Now that SHOESHINE BOY has regained the winning thread with a determined performance at Hexham last month, the eight-year-old may be able to follow up off just 3lb higher at a track where he has an excellent record. Faithfulflyer bounced back to form with an encouraging second over 2m5f at Kelso last time out and he must enter calculations, along with the returning Ottizzini, who was placed in a Listed mares' novices' hurdle last season.
Prediction : 1st Shoeshine Boy 2nd Faithfulflyer 3rd Ottizzini

DONNY BOY was far from disgraced when filling third place in a competitive handicap over 3m at this venue on his latest outing in April. The strength of that form suggests that the eight-year-old could play a leading role here, despite a 2lb rise. White Rhino showed plenty of promise over hurdles last season and should not be underestimated on his chasing bow, while similar comments apply to Whistle Stop Tour.
Prediction : 1st Donny Boy 2nd White Rhino 3rd Whistle Stop Tour

ROCHEVAL arrives here unbeaten following a hat-trick of victories last season, the most recent of which came over 2m1f at Carlisle in March. An opening mark of 120 could underestimate the four-year-old, especially as he may have more improvement left to come. Ridin Solo also makes the shortlist on his handicap bow following an encouraging third at Stratford last month. Mack The Man edges out Dance Thief to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Rocheval 2nd Ridin Solo 3rd Mack The Man

The Kalooki Kid has to be of interest on his return to action having shown promise as a novice hurdler last season, but marginal preference is for MYRETOWN. Lucinda Russell's gelding had plenty in hand when landing a maiden hurdle at Kelso in March and the winning point-to-pointer may progress now switched to fences. Cases can be made for all of the remainder, but Whizz Kid is just the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Myretown 2nd The Kalooki Kid 3rd Whizz Kid