3:13 Ayr Tips

Of interest here. Connections turn to new headgear with first-time cheek pieces. Disappointed when tried at this trip for the first time LTO; hence the new cheekpieces. Worth another go.

President Scottie switches back to hurdles after appearing not to stay the distance in the Scottish Borders National at Kelso last time. He is six pounds lower than his last hurdle race in April 2024, which was over course and distance when he finished 4th of 10. He had won his previous two hurdle races.

Shoeshine Boy is getting a bit long in the tooth but still has it in him to show the youngsters a thing or two. He had a win here at Ayr last time out, two places and a fall from his last five races, with the odd one after a break. Up by 4 lbs for his win but won off 6 lbs higher in a Class 3 in October 2024. He has a record of three wins and three places from his nine runs here and a good record in higher classes too. Craig Nichol is in charge today and has five wins and six places from his nineteen rides.

After two unsuccessful races over the larger obstacles, Felice Du Maquis returns to the discipline that saw her win two of her last four hurdle races. Both of those races were over today's trip of three miles and on soft ground, which is the current ground condition at Ayr Racecourse. She returns to the hurdles following wind surgery and races off a mark of 121, which is the same as her last winning mark.

Posted two cracking efforts in defeat over C&D last season, but he lost his way thereafter on ground too quick. The veteran showed a bit more verve on his first outing since a wind op here earlier this month and the yard's runners do seem to be running better now as well. One of his owners was unlucky not to land a gamble on Burning It Up at Newcastle the other day and the son of Presenting is racing off a 14lb lower mark if taking Hislop's 10lb claim into account. Moreover, severe headgear is introduced, which could prove just the motivator.