Racing

Ayr Place 6 Preview | 18th April

13.10 Scotty Brand Handicap Chase

I really like the look of LE NEZ CREUX, who was last seen running respectably when fifth in a Grade 1 in France and now makes his stable debut off a fair mark of 132. Young Conor Stone-Walsh is certainly making a name for himself and I think he’s got a good chance of landing the opener on this five-year-old for Gavin Cromwell.

Tips: LE NEZ CREUX

13.45 CPMS Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase

Plenty to consider. POUNDING POET improved from his two previous Chase starts to finish third at Newbury last time out and is well handicapped on the pick of his hurdles form. He ran well around this time last year at this course over the smaller obstacles as well. JUST OVER LAND represents a yard that does well with limited runners, while COURTINYOURTRANCE has shaped well on both outings in this sphere and could pose a threat at bigger odds.

Tips: POUNDING POET, JUST OVER LAND & COURTINYOURTRANCE

14.20 Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle

CAPTAIN HUGO has won four of his seven starts and won the Morebattle Hurdle last time out with more up his sleeve than the winning margin indicated. He’s gone up 6lb as a result, but he’s not finished improving, and looks set to play a major role in the outcome.

Nothing went right for SECRET SQUIRREL last time out but if he could stage a repeat of his defeat to Kabral Du Mathan at Windsor January last year then he’s in with a big shout. He’s a smart horse when all goes to plan so I’m hoping he can show his true colours and make a serious impact.

Tips: CAPTAIN HUGO & SECRET SQUIRREL

14.55 Jordan Electrics Ltd Seafield Trophy Mares’ Handicap Hurdle 

TWISTTHENIGHTAWAY is unbeaten in two handicap starts and the way she went through her latest assignment suggests this 6lb higher mark won’t be enough to prevent her from completing the hat trick. Dan Skelton’s mare holds serious claims with more to certainly offer.

Tips: TWISTTHENIGHTAWAY

15.35 Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase

Paul Nicholls has a good record in the Scottish National and it could be worth sticking with QUEBECOIS. Harry Cobden has picked him over the Midlands National winner and he was last seen running a blinder in the Ultima. That was a good performance considering it was only his fifth start over fences, and with this longer trip looking sure to suit, I fancy him to prove difficult to beat.

MAXMILIAN has undergone wind surgery since finishing third at Haydock and he’s super consistent (only finished out of the frame once). This Grade 2 winning Hurdler finished in front of Iroko in a Grade 1 at Aintree a few years ago and given what the third has done since, Donald McCain’s charge must be well handicapped off a mark of 132. William Maggs can also take off a further 3lb, so I think he’s a massive player.

Tips: QUEBECOIS & MAXIMILIAN

16.15 Stagecoach Your Designated Driver Novices’ Hurdle

I was deeply impressed with the way APACHE TRIBE outclassed his rivals by 13 lengths over C&D on hurdles debut and he looks sure to go onto bigger and better things. I think he’s well worth sticking with in this event. Danny Gilligan takes over in the saddle.

Tips: APACHE TRIBE