15:35 Ayr

Friday 7 March 2025

All14:3015:0015:3516:1016:4017:10

Weatherbys Scientific Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 4m 18.19s

Royal Rhythm^b²³

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 100| BF| D

7/2

Well backed and turned in his best effort of the season from a reduced mark when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (19.7f, heavy) 23 days ago. Should remain competitive if turning up in similar form.

Form: 4-65742

Ballyfort^h,t²⁴

3/1

Showed more of what he's about back over hurdles when second in 7-runner handicap here (2m) in January. Stamina seemed stretched up to 2½m last time and worth treating as still in good form. Had breathing op.

Form: 5-0FU24

Vampire Slayer²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Danny McMenamin| T: D Bourke| OR: 99

11/2

Lightly-raced maiden who produced his best effort to date switched to handicap company when fifth of 13 at Newcastle (16.9f, good to soft) 22 days ago, tying up late as exuberance told. Likely to progress further.

Form: 8-6885

I Have A Voice^p,t⁸⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: A Nicol| OR: 98| D

8/1

Won twice in juvenile hurdles in 2022/23 season but has cut little ice in handicaps since. First run for yard after leaving Nigel Hawke.

Form: U/707-P8

It's Dan^t⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: R M Smith| OR: 96WS

15/2

Showed promise kept to a novice returning from 20 months off at Kelso in December but well held in handicaps at Ayr both outings since. Subsequent breathing operation needs to have the desired effect.

Form: 725/658

O'Faolains Glory¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Nathan Moscrop| T: S Corbett| OR: 96

18/1

Twice a winner for Ian Patrick Donoghue but went off the boil in final two starts of last year. Wasn't disgraced returned to hurdling for new yard at Carlisle (17f) in February but failed to beat a rival.

Form: F03087

Carnet De Stage²⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Alan Doyle⁽³⁾| T: A B Hamilton| OR: 92

40/1

Fair ex-Irish maiden hurdler/chaser who ran no sort of race on first outing for this yard here last month. Others preferred.

Form: 36-425P

Mix De Gris^h²²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: Conner McCann⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 93

4/1

Is no easy ride (races freely) but got back on track when fourth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Newcastle (16.9f, good to soft) 22 days ago, left with lot to do. Has the ability to defy this sort of mark.

Form: P2564

Bray Dale²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: Ross Chapman| T: C Bissett| OR: 78| D

80/1

Failed to meet expectations in bumpers for Nicky Richards and little promise in five starts for current yard. Opposable on this switch to handicap company.

Form: 590/P75

Gine Sacre³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: P W Wadge| T: Eloise Quayle| OR: 72

33/1

Still a maiden and fared little better on first run for new yard at Sedgefield last month. Races from 2 lb out of handicap and is difficult to recommend.

Form: 3/P-677P

Non-Runners

Ghumama³⁹

Weight: 11-7| Age: 7

T: N C Kelly J: Mr M E McCrory

Forecasts

Ballyfort (3/1), Royal Rhythm (7/2), Mix De Gris (4/1), Vampire Slayer (11/2), It's Dan (15/2), I Have A Voice (8/1), Ghumama (12/1), O'Faolains Glory (18/1), Gine Sacre (33/1), Carnet De Stage (40/1), Bray Dale (80/1)

VAMPIRE SLAYER shaped well in a race that's likely to prove strong form on his handicap debut at Newcastle, so he's an appealing candidate with further improvement on the cards. Ballyfort will benefit from a return to 2m and should go well, with Mix de Gris completing the shortlist.