3:05 Ayr Tips

Big Stage has not won since winning a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in May 2024, but he started his racing career by winning a point in November 2023. He has performed to a decent level in chases, although drifting downwards in the handicap. He was 4th of 16, not beaten far, in a handicap chase at Punchestown last time. First-time blinkers and the assistance of Sean Bowen should get him his first chase win.

first run in a handicap and looks well up to winning this off his opening mark this looks easier than some of the novice hes been contesting and even with top weight should be involved here

A lot of encouragement to be taken from the fifth-placed reappearance over C&D 12 days ago where he wasn’t knocked about in the rear. The eight-year-old made all over 2m4f last season, clearly they didn’t want to give him a hard race on return and a 2lb drop in the ratings looks lenient. 15/2 tops.

Ballyfort equalled his career-best chasing effort when landing a race over today’s course and distance on soft ground at the beginning of January. His heavy defeat in similar conditions later the same month is hard to explain, so the horse is given another chance, dropped one pound in the weights. His stable’s latest runner before today was a winner.

22/1 seems like a decent enough price for the selection who is 3 wins from 4 races in chases in his lifetime. Lightly raced for a 9yo having had just 9 races so far. Doesn't mind a bit of cut and the recent run can be forgiven following a year or so off before that, it was a hurdle race and over too long a trip, ran well for the first 2 miles... HAs won off this mark before and the jockey claim will prove useful. Seems a bit of value in an open enough looking race.