BetVictor sponsor the card at Ayr this afternoon and in the handicap chase over the minimum trip I felt Plus Jamais (3.50) ran well against two decent sorts over C&D last month and looks to have found an excellent opportunity for Jim Goldie and Brian Hughes.
The booking of AP McCoy for Yes Tom (4.20) catches the eye in the two-and-a-half-mile chase and can give Irish handler Stuart Crawford a winner. The grey only got as far as the second in the SkyBet Chase last time and the 19-time champion jockey is sure to make plenty of use of the 10-year-old who ran well in the Scottish National over 4 miles before the petrol ran out back in the spring.
Nicky Richards puts blinkers on And The Man who won the corresponding race last season off a 3lbs lower mark; he has filed to complete in four starts so far this season but is beginning to look very well handicapped and would be the one to beat of the headgear works the oracle.
McCoy hangs around for Cornerman (4.55) again for Crawford in the Bumper and I suggest we take the hint. Professor Plum has to give the selection 10lbs (minus jockey’s claim) following two wins last year and a bigger threat may come from Donald McCain’s Duke Arcadio (4.55) who cost connections £80,000 having won a point-to-point in his native Ireland last May.
The ground is likely to be testing at Ffos Las although hopefully not as bad as it was for their last meeting which was only just raceable. Evan Williams saddles Buywise (2.55) and he looks to have a straightforward task reverting to the minor obstacles in this four-runner race. His astute handler is likely to have one of the handicap chases at Cheltenham in mind for the selection and this race should put him spot on for next month’s Festival.
Copper Birch could be called the winner from some way out at Taunton last time and an 8lb rise might not prevent him following up but Silvergrove (4.0) has improved since being sent over a trip and he can race off the same mark as when runner up at Wincanton last time over a marathon trip. He has only run left-handed once previously but he ran well enough at Warwick on that occasion and he receives weight all round this afternoon.
Ifyouthinkso (3.25) remains a maiden under rules but had the third 15 lengths back when beaten a neck at Towcester back in December. Connections have given him plenty of time to get over those exertions and he is only 3lbs higher this afternoon.
There is an excellent card at Clonmel and I hope to see Kauto Grand Mogol (2.35) land the Grade 3 Hurdle for Elizabeth Doyle who lost her stable star Le Vent D’Antan at Leopardstown at the weekend. The giant Roi Des Francs is going to make up into a terrific chaser next season and is a big threat representing the yard of Willie Mullins who is double-handed in this valuable contest.
Baily Green (3.40) has perhaps never scaled the heights he once suggested he might but trainer Mouse Morris looks to have found an excellent opportunity for his charge who is well suited by the conditions of the race. Sadler’sflaure didn’t appear to get home in the Thyestes Chase over three miles last time and will certainly appreciate dropping back in trip. Jessie Harrington’s 9-y-old would be better off in a handicap with the other principles but he did run much better than his finishing position would suggest at Gowran Park last time.
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