Alan Thomson's Racing Tips: All eyes on the Ayr show

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ALAN enjoyed a successful Saturday with winners at 4-5 and 9-2 as well as a place for his 6-1 each-way pick.

Well done all other winners and it's all about Ayr for our man on Sunday as he takes you through the card.

Ayr 12.50

The opening maiden hurdle is a hot heat with several potential winning candidates. OFF THE HOOK takes on the boys after running so well behind Queenohearts and Danse Idol in a mares’ novice event at Haydock (heavy) at the end of December.

She could go off an each-way price meeting the likes of Glinger Flame, an excellent neck second to Johnbb here at the New Year fixture on his hurdling debut, and Sam’s Adventure, the likely winner at Kelso until running out and crashing through the wing of the final flight. Mix in Uttoxeter runner-up Stung For Cash and promising Lord Springfield, and we have a cracking race to launch the Sunday card.

Ayr 1.25

ASK BEN jumps off the page in the 3m novices’ hurdle at Ayr. Graeme Mcpherson is a rare visitor to these parts and Ask Ben’s victory over Beakstown in a blanket finish at Newcastle at the beginning of December was given a huge boost when the runner-up landed a Grade 2 hurdle quite comfortably at Warwick.

Ayr 2.0

The two-mile novices’ chase is another decent contest, with Dan Skelton’s Southwell winner Destrier setting the bar quite high with an official rating of 138. REIVERS LAD fairly charged up the run-in to catch Cool Mix and Ravenhill Road at Newcastle and this three-time novice hurdle winner looks a typical Nicky Richards chasing type. Mick Easterby’s Sam’s Gunner was a progressive hurdler last season and could prove dangerous on his chasing debut.

Ayr 2.30

GERONIMO was an expensive failure at Kelso, rallying too late to reel in Calivigny, and a 4lb rise for that head defeat makes things a little harder. He is given the chance to atone over this demanding 3m 3f trip, ahead of winning Carlisle duo Kings Eclipse and Nakadam.

Ayr 3.05

A prominent display by Geronimo would give the prospects of CALIVIGNY a timely boost. He is on a hat-trick and although well beaten by one of today’s rivals, Hills Of Dubai, here last January, Calivigny is in better form at present.

Fiddlers Bow was a most impressive course winner 12 days ago, his first run since a successful wind operation, and is an obvious threat stepped up in trip.

Ayr 3.40

The handicap hurdle over three miles is a very modest affair and BLUE RHYTHM is worth a small each-way investment. He appeared to get bogged down in the mud at Uttoxeter but would have a chance on his close third at Southwell on a sounder surface last May.

Ayr 4.10

Handicap debutante JESSIEMAC should be on the premises in an open-looking 2m 5f mares’ hurdle. She found Leverock Lass too strong here earlier this month but doesn’t appear badly treated.

Bracka Lily couldn’t go with handicap snip Choochoobigaloo at Kelso but can make an impact if staying this longer trip. Northern Girl eases slightly in class and wasn’t beaten too far by Diocese at Wetherby.

Alan Thomson’s Racing Tips: All eyes on the Ayr show