UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

The vote goes to BALLYFORT, who posted a much improved effort to fill the runner-up spot over 2m here last month, having struggled in a couple of chase starts previously. Nick Alexander's gelding is able to compete from an unchanged mark and, now upped in trip, it would come as no surprise were he to find the necessary improvement. Millyupdahilly goes handicapping from a potentially workable mark and must enter calculations, while Wearelongterm appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Ballyfort 2nd Millyupdahilly 3rd Wearelongterm

Picked up for 100,000 pounds after finishing second to the now 120-rated Rosscahill in an Irish point-to-point in December 2023, MALFOY MANOR has been somewhat indifferent over hurdles so far. However, an opening mark of 103 could be a real gift and sent up in trip on this handicap bow, the Blue Bresil gelding is taken to get off the mark. Powers Dilemma enters handicaps for the first time, too, and he must be of interest while Blame Rose, who won twice on testing ground last year before unseating on her return last month, is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Malfoy Manor 2nd Powers Dilemma 3rd Blame Rose

Now two from two over fences having won at Carlisle in November, WALK ON QUEST is expected to continue on an upward curve. Lucinda Russell's charge is 5lb higher on the back of a short absence, but a step up in trip can elicit further improvement and this looks to be a winnable opportunity. Grand Voyage bumped into a progressive rival at Hexham in December and he could be a real threat. Artic Row should not be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Walk On Quest 2nd Grand Voyage 3rd Artic Row

JEUNE PRINCE, who finished runner-up over C&D latest, has a decent chance of kicking on and can emulate his high-class stablemate, Ahoy Senor, who won this race in 2021. Gris Gris Top and hurdles debutant Baratablet are other interesting options. The latter is feared most as he finished a good second here in a bumper last month and is open to stacks of improvement.
Prediction : 1st Jeune Prince 2nd Baratablet 3rd Gris Gris Top

SUNNYVILLA returned from a break to rout the opposition on his debut for Nicky Richards in a class 3 handicap at Haydock in December. A 7lb higher looks fair after that comfortable success and, with the attributes of this course likely to play to his strengths, the still-enthusiastic nine-year-old could be tough to overhaul. Rock On Jet won over hurdles here last month and is notable on his first try over regulation fences. Lively Citizen, a C&D winner off 3lb lower latest, and Dance Thief complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Sunnyvilla 2nd Rock On Jet 3rd Lively Citizen

TOPKAPI STAR simply wasn't for catching when cheekpieces were added last time out and having scored by the best part of 10 lengths over C&D, the reliable eight-year-old is an attractive proposition bidding to follow up off 7lb higher, with the headgear retained. Golden Point is likely to enter calculations following his latest win here, while Piaff Bubbles heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Topkapi Star 2nd Golden Point 3rd Piaff Bubbles

Don Brocco won over the larger obstacles for the first time at Carlisle last Monday and has to be respected under a 7lb penalty. That said, the nine-year-old was able to dominate on that occasion and it remains to be seen whether he'll get a similar lead here. Le Grand Vert is likely to appreciate stepping back up in trip, but a chance is taken on MONTYS SOLDIER. Runner-up on his chasing bow at Ffos Las in November, the seven-year-old should have more to come.
Prediction : 1st Montys Soldier 2nd Don Brocco 3rd Le Grand Vert

Gintime's second on debut at Carlisle is good form, while others to consider include Hunters Spring and Royal Hillsborough. However, OH JANEY might be a bit of value in the bumper on her Rules bow. She didn't land a blow on her sole point-to-point outing but has joined a top yard and the booking of J J Slevin is noteworthy.
Prediction : 1st Oh Janey 2nd Gintime 3rd Hunters Spring