HARRY SKELTON: Ayr Friday

It’s an exciting time to be heading up to Ayr with Dan well in contention in the Trainers’ Championship writes HARRY SKELTON. We’re going there with a strong squad of horses, and we’ve saved a good few for this meeting, so hopefully we can come away with a few winners. Willie [Mullins] and Paul [Nicholls] are also bringing plenty of horses to Ayr so it’s going to be a real fight, but we’ll all be doing our utmost to get Dan over the line in the next few weeks.

FRIDAY

AYR

NEXT LEFT ? – 1.20pm Remus Uomo Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-130) 2m
⭐ STARSPORTS.BET PRICES ⭐

He ran okay on his return at Newbury after a long layoff and I think he’s come on nicely since then. However, sometimes the second run back after a long layoff is a difficult one. If he comes on for last time, he should be in with a squeak with the ground and trip not being a problem.

SHAKEYATAILFEATHER ? – 1.50pm Abbott Risk Consulting Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 3) (4yo+) 2m
⭐ STARSPORTS.BET PRICES ⭐

She has a competitive chance in the mares’ maiden but has a little bit to find on the numbers as there are a few in the field that are a bit higher rated. She’s in good form at home, though, and we’ll be hopeful of a nice run from her.

CATCH HIM DERRY ? – 2.20pm Get Home Safe With Thistle Cabs Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-125) 3m 1/2f
⭐ STARSPORTS.BET PRICES ⭐

On form, he looks to have quite a nice chance here, having run in behind Gwennie May Boy last time out. We’d like to think he’s come on nicely since that run. Three miles around Ayr should suit him well and if he has taken a step forward, as we hope he has, he could go very close.

JET PLANE ? & HELTENHAM – 2.50pm Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) (5yo+) 2m 4 1/2f
⭐ STARSPORTS.BET PRICES ⭐

Jet Plane (pictured below) won well last time out at Market Rasen and comes here under a penalty. If he produces anything similar to that effort, you’d like to think he’d hold every chance. I think two and a half miles around here on slowish ground will be no problem, so there aren’t too many negatives.

Heltenham also runs, with Ciaran Gethings taking the ride. It probably wasn’t soft enough for him last time at Aintree, as the ground had just started to dry out a bit. We’re rolling the dice bringing him back here so quickly but there’s plenty of prize money on offer. Two and a half miles around this track should suit him so hopefully he can put his best foot forward and put in a good performance.

THEFORMISMIGHTY ? & PUNTA DEL ESTE – 3.20pm Coral “We’re Here For It” Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-150) 2m 5 1/2f
⭐ STARSPORTS.BET PRICES ⭐

Theformismighty (pictured below) was a good winner last time in a maiden hurdle around Market Rasen, where he finished well on soft ground. He ticks plenty of boxes ahead of this race and he’s competitively handicapped. He should have a chance given the track and trip will suit.

Punta Del Este was a good winner up at Haydock but the handicapper has had his say and has punished him quite badly as a result. He handles soft ground, and two miles five furlongs looks to be his trip, but he needs to get back on track. We’re giving it a go.

ROCKY MAN (pictured below) – 4.30pm GS Group “Hands & Heels” Handicap Hurdle (Conditionals’/Amateur Riders’) (RE Series Finale) (Div I) (Class 4) (4yo+ 0-120) 2m 4 1/2f
⭐ STARSPORTS.BET PRICES ⭐

He has lost his way really but we’re throwing him in here as he’d have a chance on old form. He’s well weighted and could have a chance should he put those disappointing runs behind him. We’ll see how he goes.

PRESENTING NELLY – 5.00pm GS Group “Hands & Heels” Handicap Hurdle (Conditionals’/Amateur Riders’) (RE Series Finale) (Div II) (Class 4) (4yo+ 0-120) 2m 4 1/2f
⭐ STARSPORTS.BET PRICES ⭐

She ran okay last time at Warwick and that looks to have brought her on quite nicely. The trip and ground look fine for her and she comes here with a chance.

Good luck,

HARRY