4:05 Ayr Tips

Interesting that Ed Walker travels a long way north from Upper Lambourn to Scotland to run Desert Heat in his first handicap. Three promising starts in novice/maiden company, and it was definitely promising when 4th of 12 at Sandown mid-June, not beaten that far with the first three home that day with marks 80 and above. An opening handicap mark of 79 to start could look rather generous.

Both of this 3-year-old gelding's last two races have been over half a furlong further at Chester. This slight drop in trip and this more conventional track should suit more.

Qitaal has not won since Chester last September in a C4 by 8L but took on a lump of weight for that. This year, he has been mainly running in C3 and C2 without success. But today, he drops back to C4 off an 82, which is still a bit heavy, but has Archie Young in the saddle taking off 5 lbs and worth a shot.

Edge Of the Unknown did well on handicap debut back in January when only just over a length away and third off an 81. Although the latest run was at the back of the pack, that was in C2 up at 1m6f. I think the return to C4 today off a 77 with a shorter trip could see him involved again EW.

Pol Roger looks set to go well here at a nice price. Good course form, softer ground, and a good mark to work with. Well handicapped and capable of going well for an in-form yard. It's a wide-open race, but this one is proven at this track and proven under these conditions. Solid value here at the price.

Small each-way tip for this horse, i like the odds but it is risky. Way below best form the last 2 runs but this race looks slightly easier than the last 2 and considering that this horse hasn't had much racing this year, he could have a bit more to offer yet.

Daragh Bourke from the Cherrybank Stables near Lockerbie trained Gainsbourg. Maybe the outsider of the field at 33/1, but the 7-year-old gelding is not devoid of ability. He has won 6 times, including 2 wins here. He has won over 8 1/2f in this grade, from marks ranging from 66-72. Off a mark today of 66, upped to 10f, which shouldn't be a problem. He goes on the ground, and winning jockey Andrew Mullen is in the saddle. He has an e/w chance if running with the handbrake off.