1:35 Ayr Tips

Reliable traveler. Proven at the trip. Soft-good/soft rhythm ideal. Clean pace map. Rivals inconsistent or unreliable. No chaos flags. No penalty issues.

Velvet Vulcan could probably have won here last time with a better round of jumping, but he made several mistakes and did well to finish in 2nd place. He could go close if he makes fewer mistakes this time.

Won this race on soft ground last year and followed up at the same venue in the mud off a mark of 96. Things haven't gone to plan after switching to the larger obstacles since. Back down to a mark of 96 and should be more comfortable back over hurdles. Should go well.

Jakana is a 7-year-old mare trained by little-known Leonard Kerr and runs off a mark of 93 with the excellent Conor Rabbitt in the saddle. Two wins last year for Fergal O'Brien, but she has proved rather disappointing for her new yard. Consequently, the handicapper has taken heed and this mare has dropped considerably in the handicap, from an opening mark of 111 down to today's career-low mark of 93. She is twice a winner over today's trip and once on soft ground. Unlike most in this field, she managed to win two races in maiden and novice company. This is a conditional riders' race and experience counts. Step forward Conor Rabbitt, who is 16/94 wins and 35/94 placed in Class 4 handicap hurdles since 2021. Jakana could be a surprise package with the trip and ground suiting and the handicap mark in the right ballpark.