13:00 Ayr

Tuesday 2 January 2018

All12:3013:0013:3514:1014:4015:1015:45

racinguk.com Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:00 | Winning time: 6m 49.00s

Niceandeasy⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Craig Nichol| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 117

9/4

Has done everything asked of him so far winning all three stats, including two over hurdles this term. Nice prospect, but has to cope with step up the three miles and top weight, so will be very interesting to see how he goes.

Form: 1-11

Royal Salute⁴⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Jonathon Bewley⁽³⁾| T: G Bewley| OR: 116

16/1

Stays well and has form on this ground for previous connections. Looked set to score over C&D back in November when fell at the last so deserves compensation (subsequently raised 2lb), although this looks a hotter race.

Form: 3113F-F

Bruichladdich²⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Henry Brooke| T: I Jardine| OR: 115

22/1

Scored over 2m in heavy ground at Hexham last time but this is a very big step up in trip. Represents shrewd connections who clearly feel this son of Westerner should get the trip so rates a genuine contender.

Form: 87541-

Hartforth³⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Callum Whillans⁽³⁾| T: D W Whillans| OR: 115| CD

20/1

Won over C&D in December 2016 but has not really shone since then in four outings. Handicapper proving slow to release his grip so others are preferred on this occasion.

Form: P/1666-7

Imperial Prince⁵⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Steven Fox⁽⁵⁾| T: I A Duncan| OR: 113

33/1

Seemed to be going the right way with two wins at the end of last term at Kelso and Newcastle, but moved yard since then and was disappointing when pulled up here in November. Jury is out for the moment.

Form: 89311/P

Chicoria²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Reed⁽⁷⁾| T: T Davidson| OR: 110

20/1

Won novices handicap chase in November 2015 for Henry Daly. Made a good start for new yard when second over this C&D in November, but not so good at Haydock last time. Not ruled out though on return to this track.

Form: P/537-27

Skipthescales^p²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Thomas Dowson⁽³⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 110| D

4/1

Scored off 5lb lower mark at this trip at Wetherby in November and not disgraced when fourth at Haydock latest. Question over ability to handle the ground though means others are preferred.

Form: 23-6314

Too Many Chiefs³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Finian O'Toole⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs S A Watt| OR: 109| BF| CD

5/1

C&D winner in November in heavy ground and ran a satisfactory race last time when fourth at Carlisle. 4lb higher than this term's win but should get through the ground alright and may be thereabouts.

Form: 10-8214

Rivabodiva^t⁵³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Thomas Willmott⁽¹⁰⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 104| CD

9/1

Races off a 7lb higher mark than when winning over C&D in October. Good runner-up at Hexham latest so should be on the premises if she stays in this heavier ground.

Form: 33-0312

Letemgo^h²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 10-7| J: Ross Chapman⁽⁵⁾| T: A B Hamilton| OR: 96| D

7/1

One paced stayer but has fallen to a potentially attractive mark having failed to score over the last 12 months. Interesting to see if there is any market support for this four-time winner.

Form: 560353

Lastin' Memories^p1⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Jamie Hamilton⁽³⁾| T: Miss S E Forster| OR: 94

33/1

Wears first-time cheekpieces. Hasn't shown much at all in recent starts and overall profile suggests he has it all to do despite reciving weight all round.

Form: 539-97

Forecasts

Niceandeasy (9/4), Skipthescales (4/1), Too Many Chiefs (5/1), Letemgo (7/1), Rivabodiva (9/1), Royal Salute (16/1), Chicoria (20/1), Hartforth (20/1), Bruichladdich (22/1), Lastin' Memories (33/1), Imperial Prince (33/1)

Despite the steadier of 12 stones a chance is taken that the unbeaten NICEANDEASY can see out the extra half mile and maintain his winning sequence. Too Many Chiefs shouldn't be far away with underfoot conditions to suit, while Royal Salute also has good claims if putting in a clear round this time. Bruichladdich and Letemgo are others with prospects in a trappy contest.