3:30 Ayr Tips

Donnacha looks the standout selection here, particularly with soft ground conditions playing to his strengths. His latest run came in a Grade 3 handicap chase at Cheltenham over 2M4½F, where he showed plenty of grit to win by a head off 132 on soft ground. That form has worked out exceptionally well ??' runner-up Jagwar has since finished 2nd in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival and is now rated 157. The pair pulled 10 lengths clear of the third, underlining the strength of the performance. A 5lb rise to a mark of 137 looks fair in that context, especially given the depth of that form. He also comes here fresh, having been given time since that effort, which suggests this race may have been the target. With proven ability in testing conditions, strong recent form, and potential still to improve off his current mark, he looks very well placed. If reproducing that Cheltenham performance, he should take plenty of beating here.

The 8??'yo hasn’t done a lot wrong in his four runs this campaign while racing in very good company. His best rating came on soft ground when he was 3rd of 12 in the £91K Paddy Power Gold Cup. A two??'month break and a wind op should put him in good shape for this £24K handicap. Top yard/jockey.

Smart performer in his prime who hasn't won for a while but has posted a couple of good seconds this season as his mark has slipped. Well beaten at the Festival last time, but that's easily forgiven, and he's hard to ignore off this mark.

Jipcot was quite impressive when he won at Leicester. However, things haven't worked out for him since then. I do think he has more to offer, as he's still only seven. He didn't do much wrong at Ascot two runs back, fading in the final quarter mile. This trip should be more to his liking.

Two lengths ahead and fell at the last in a maiden hurdle when last here in Feb 2024, but Ayr seems a promising course for Myretown's front-running approach. He needs to rediscover the form that saw him run to an 11-length win in a handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival 2025. The considerable drop in trip might help, and the nine-year-old will appreciate soft ground.

A course specialist boasting five wins from 11 starts. He recently triumphed in February over this trip on soft ground. With the experienced Bruce Lynn riding, his reliable stamina and familiarity with the venue make him a strong candidate for a place at 25/1.