13:40 Crystal Guard
This looks quite open among the form horses but CRYSTAL GUARD, the only runner with a Group entry, may be the answer. Invincibly and Fairmac bring similar claims on their Thirsk efforts a fortnight ago, while Macmerry Jim is also in the mix. Depp looks best of the newcomers.
14:10 Gumdrop
The Ontoawinner syndicate has two major players in Wobwobwob and Denzil’s Laughing, with both having dotted up in nurseries this past week. However, with this a rise in class preference is for GUMDROP, who drops back in distance after getting outstayed over further last week at Doncaster and this time he’s armed with Billy Garritty’s useful 5lb claim. Wobwobwob is feared most.
14:45 Roman Encounter
Two of the main contenders on ratings are Nomadic Empire and Queen Of Rio, who are closely matched on Listed form at the York Ebor festival. Three others are once-raced winners who bring plenty of promise, notably ROMAN ENCOUNTER who gets the vote ahead of Bickerstaffe and Regional.
15:20 Magical Journey
The top two on the shortlist are MAGICAL JOURNEY and Exceptional, who finished third and fourth in a similar event at Pontefract five weeks ago. They both have low mileage and look open to further progress. Slight preference is for Magical Journey. Third choice is Irish challenger American Lady. Last Empire and Queens Gift are also respected in a competitive affair.
15:55 Flying Pursuit (NAP)
It’s not easy to call the draw here but we should get some clues from the 15:20 race. Alben Spirit, 3-4 over this trip since his debut, holds obvious claims but Tim Easterby’s FLYING PURSUIT (nap) has dropped to a very favourable mark and is preferred. Last year’s one-two Music Society and Highly Sprung are also considered, along with Captain Jameson, Roundhay Park and Abstemious. Call Me Ginger will no doubt have his fans again but his overall profile is unconvincing.
16:25 Mondain
It’s possible that Beechwood Jude and Elysian Flame would be better off if the ground is soft. Assuming they don’t get that, the one to prosper may be MONDAIN who’s been competitive on his last three outings.
16:55 Sorbonne
George Ridsdale was much too good for his rivals here yesterday but he has a big penalty to carry in a considerably better grade and there has to be a query about this quick a return. A realistic alternative is SORBONNE who has been coming along nicely and looked ready for another crack at 1m when finally outstaying his rivals, including House Deposit, over 7f at Leicester. Vive La Difference, Mustaqbal and Pacino are others to consider.
17:25 My Ukulele
A repeat success may be on the cards for MY UKULELE, who landed a division of this corresponding contest last year when it was confined to 3yos. She has sound claims back here and is taken to beat recent Musselburgh scorers Merricourt and Donnelly’s Rainbow in that order, though it’s also possible that some of the 3yos will take a serious hand too.
The Racing Post’s tips for Ayr on Friday
13:40 Crystal Guard
14:10 Gumdrop
14:45 Roman Encounter
15:20 Magical Journey
15:55 Flying Pursuit (NAP)
16:25 Mondain
16:55 Sorbonne
17:25 My Ukulele
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