Racing

Ayr Place 6 Preview | 13th January

By Steven Dowler

12.48 Book Day Dancin On 11 April Novices’ Hurdle

BRAS D’OR made a promising start to his career when second on his sole bumper start at Fontwell and improved significantly from his hurdle debut fifth at Cheltenham (eye-catcher) to finish runner-up at Ludlow. David Pipe’s five-year-old wouldn’t need to improve much more to say a say in this event,

Tips: BRAS D’OR

13.18 Wicked Afternoon Tea Last Few Places EBF Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle

DREAM SHADOW was useful in bumpers, winning once and placing three times from four starts and pushed a smart prospect close on hurdles/seasonal debut at Uttoxeter. She made no mistake when easily opening her account at Warwick, and with the potential to rank higher, she’s strongly fancied to justify favouritism.

Tips: DREAM SHADOW

13.48 Book Your Celebration At westernhousehotel.co.uk Handicap Hurdle

KELVIN FORLONGE had displayed previous promise prior to scoring in good style over C&D last month and I think a 6lb rise is lenient on balance. Even with top weight, the six-year-old should have more to come and is therefore handed the vote to register a second win at the Scottish venue.

Tips: KELVIN FORLONGE

14.18 Book Coral Scottish Grand National ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase

A fascinating matchup between Fingle Bridge and MEETMEBYTHESEA, with narrow preference for the latter based on the fact that I think he will have a bit too much speed for Olly Murphy’s charge. Ben Pauling’s exciting chaser has yet to taste defeat over this trip and will have learned a lot from his narrow success on chase debut at Wetherby, where he had to get down dirty and fight. Great chance.

Tips: MEETMEBYTHESEA

14.48 Cheltenham Gold Cup Lunch At westernhousehotel Handicap Chase

A big-money purchase from the Irish point scenario, BIG ZOUK ran his best race to date in the UK when third at Newcastle and is surely going to improve again. This is a very weak race, and a mark of 96 is surely within his grasp, so hopefully Brian Hughes can guide him to success.

Tips: BIG ZOUK

15.18 Dream Weddings At Western House Hotel Handicap Hurdle

DANCE THIEF looked in need of the run when fifth here last time out and should prove to be a stronger proposition now. He’s a C&D winner off a pound higher mark over fences, so he’s undoubtedly well handicapped in this sphere, and should be competitive.

Tips: DANCE THIEF