UK Horse Racing Tips: Ayr

CALICO is consistent over fences and is capable of better than he managed in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. His most recent form prior to that blip has a solid appearance and he looks worth chancing. Sans Bruit and Traprain Law also hold solid claims based on their peak efforts, although Palacio's recent win at Newbury proved that he can be a serious player when he gets it right. The Sam Thomas-trained gelding could be a bigger danger with improvement likely.
Prediction : 1st Calico 2nd Palacio 3rd Sans Bruit

Dan Skelton has won this twice in recent times and can add a third name to the roll call with DIAMOND DEALER, who is noted as a progressive chaser competing on the back of his best effort so far. The game winner of a similar event at Kelso last month, this improving seven-year-old must have every chance of following up off just 3lb higher. Kdeux Saint Fray is dangerous to underestimate, despite a no show in a bustling event at Cheltenham. Last-time-out winners I Wish You, Big John Wayne and Young Jack all command respect.
Prediction : 1st Diamond Dealer 2nd Kdeux Saint Fray 3rd I Wish You

Tellherthename has been quite highly tried and can have a big say if a first-time hood draws some improvement. However, CAPTAIN HUGO has proven to be tough to overhaul when he gets into a battle and, having readily atoned for a fall on his penultimate start with a game success at Kelso most recently, this progressive six-year-old has enough scope to deal with stepping up in class. Conversely, Tutti Quanti steps down a grade after finding the Champion Hurdle out of his reach last month. This is more attainable and he should be a key player back on softer ground.
Prediction : 1st Captain Hugo 2nd Tellherthename 3rd Tutti Quanti

Listed winner World Of Fortunes is burdened with top weight back in a handicap. Twistthenightaway is preferred as she bids for a hat-trick, while last year's third Fox's Fancy could feature again only 2lb higher. However, a chance is taken on the progressive PRINCESS KERI. The latter proved today's distance was well within her compass when finishing a respectable second at Chepstow last time and she could have more to offer reunited with Harry Cobden.
Prediction : 1st Princess Keri 2nd Twistthenightaway 3rd Foxs Fancy

Last month's Cheltenham winner Ask Brewster and the runner-up Road To Home lock horns once again with the former fancied to confirm superiority. Isaac Des Obeaux landed the Midlands National over 4m2f at Uttoxeter in fine style and is preferred to stablemate Quebecois, but MONTREGARD takes the eye. He has to prove he stays this far, but that shouldn't be an issue on the evidence of his latest victory over 3m at Ascot and Tom Lacey's progressive chaser looks the type to make a bold bid for this valuable prize raised only 4lb.
Prediction : 1st Montregard 2nd Ask Brewster 3rd Isaac Des Obeaux

West Hill Verde brings solid form to the table, not least his latest Kelso third in Grade 2 company, and must be taken seriously, but APACHE TRIBE might have his measure. The impressive Listowel bumper scorer confirmed that promise when easily opening his hurdling account here in February and another bold showing looks assured. Timesareachanging is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Apache Tribe 2nd West Hill Verde 3rd Timesareachanging

Irish point-to-point winner KEOPS DES BORDES is a fascinating contender on his return from 473 days off the track. On his stable/Rules debut at Warwick in December 2024, the six-year-old was sent off favourite and finished a fine second to a certain No Drama This End, who ended up finishing ninth in the Champion Bumper that season and has won a Grade 1 over hurdles this term. He'll likely be fit enough to do himself justice given his connections and can get the better of Brady Hartsfield and Skerry Hill.
Prediction : 1st Keops Des Bordes 2nd Brady Hartsfield 3rd Skerry Hill