UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

COOLKATIE was still in contention when falling at the final flight over 2m5f at Warwick and this could prove a suitable opportunity for some compensation. The six-year-old travelled with enough verve to suggest that she will cope with a return to 2m and edges the vote over Apples Jane. Gordon Elliott's mare arrives on the back of a respectable fifth at Clonmel and isn't taken lightly in this weaker affair. Klassy Pearl may fare best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Coolkatie 2nd Apples Jane 3rd Klassy Pearl

Diamond Geezer hasn't really kicked on as expected after his Perth triumph, for all that his defeats at Warwick and Lingfield have been respectable. Olly Murphy's charge may come up short once more, with SARACEN BEAU fancied to be the beneficiary. The seven-year-old found only a subsequent winner too strong on his chase bow at Bangor and, back under the tutelage of Nicky Richards, reverting to timber holds no fears. Eloi Du Puy is also of interest in first-time cheekpieces.
Prediction : 1st Saracen Beau 2nd Diamond Geezer 3rd Eloi Du Puy

Grade 2 John Francome winner WENDIGO acquitted himself really well when third in the Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day and he should take all the beating in these calmer waters. Jamie Snowden's charge has enough class to concede 6lb to his rivals, with Maximilian rating as the biggest threat. The 10-year-old has posted two creditable efforts in defeat over fences and can keep the selection honest. Donny Boy might be out of his depth on his comeback.
Prediction : 1st Wendigo 2nd Maximilian 3rd Donny Boy

Those carrying a 7lb penalty appear to have this between them and STEDE BONNET could be the pick. Gordon Elliott's charge was able to build on his hurdling introduction to finish second over C&D, before winning in fine style at Tramore. Given an official rating of 125 following that performance, he should be too strong for the likes of Sanilam, Irandando Has and Kelso winner Cavalier Du Luy.
Prediction : 1st Stede Bonnet 2nd Sanilam 3rd Irandando Has

Shoeshine Boy put a Wetherby fall behind him to record a cosy success over C&D and a 4lb rise won't ask too much more of him, but he might be vulnerable to the unexposed CANUNCLECANI. The seven-year-old showed ability over a variety of trips in maiden/novice events but a switch to handicaps, coupled with the step up to three miles, might bring out the best in him. Others to note include Buzz Iceclear and Adveram.
Prediction : 1st Canunclecani 2nd Shoeshine Boy 3rd Buzz Iceclear

A confident vote goes to BALLYFORT, who has really got the hang of things over fences this term. On target at Kelso in October, he wasn't as good over the same C&D next time but he was back in the winning groove over this track and trip earlier in the month. Nick Alexander's charge is only 3lb higher and can brush aside class dropper Coup De Coeur en route to further success. Tommy Combats is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Ballyfort 2nd Coup De Coeur 3rd Tommy Combats

With many of these arriving from the pointing sphere, it looks best to heed the market signals. Dan Skelton's The Skecher makes appeal, as do stable companions Allfor and Finisk Pride, but the previous experience of KATAGAT might be crucial. The Diamond Boy gelding made a pleasing introduction at Wetherby and with the aid of a tongue-tie this time, he could take the necessary step forward.
Prediction : 1st Katagat 2nd The Skecher 3rd Allfor