16:10 Ayr

Saturday 31 October 2026

All12:4313:1813:5314:2815:0315:3716:10

Hogmanay Ball At Western House Hotel Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 6m 16.73s

Bollin Matilda¹⁹²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Murray Dodd⁽⁵⁾| T: D W Whillans| OR: 95| BF| D

5/1

Is consistent as they come at this level and she gained due reward when resuming winning ways at Musselburgh (3m) in March. Found only one far less exposed too good at Perth (3m) a month later and she merits consideration for all this is her first start for 6 months.

Form: 342212-

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Secret Secret^t³⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-13| J: Leah Noreci⁽⁷⁾| T: James Moffatt| OR: 94

14/1

Cartmel regular, adding to his haul in July 2025. Rather in-and-out since and he was below form having gone with plenty of exuberance in front when sixth at Perth (3m) on his most recent outing 37 days ago. Others rate stronger.

Form: 453536

Better Be Definite²⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Bruce Lynn| T: N W Alexander| OR: 94| CD

10/1

Looked better than ever when adding a second C&D success to his tally on testing ground in February. Ran no sort of race back on a sounder surface when pulled up at Newcastle (3m) a month later and market best guide now making seasonal bow.

Form: 10/441P-

Maura Jeanne^p,t¹⁷¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Jack Power⁽⁵⁾| T: I A Duncan| OR: 92| CD

6/1

C&D winner during early 2025 who finished runner-up 3 times last season, latterly at Carlisle (25f) in April. Disappointed next time but shaped as if back in form when fifth at Perth (27f) when last seen in May. This track lends itself more to her style of racing and assessor has given her a chance.

Form: 62526-5

Ck O'mara¹⁹²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: R M Smith| OR: 87| CD

5/2

Was well backed and left previous efforts behind when making second handicap start a winning one over C&D in March. Below that level next time but back on track when fourth at Perth (3m) in April. Remains unexposed as a stayer and there could well be more to come this season.

Form: 954164-

Junior Des Mottes^p²³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: D R Fox| T: L Kerr| OR: 86| BF

28/1

Proved a different proposition in refitted cheekpieces when landing back-to-back handicaps at Fakenham/Plumpton in February. Ended time with Nick Scholfield with a solid second at Fontwell (2¾m, soft) in March but let go for only £2000 thereafter.

Form: 3P1132-

Melbourne Ghost¹⁹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Craig Nichol| T: D W Whillans| OR: 85

20/1

Maiden pointer who didn't offer much in a bumper and 3 hurdles under Rules during second half of last season. However, no surprise to see him take a market step back up in trip now handicapping on return and that can see him in a better light. Worth noting for market support.

Form: 7057-

Coventry⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Peter Kavanagh| T: Miss L Harrison| OR: 83

6/1

Belatedly capitalised on falling mark following 9 months off/breathing operation when landing 12-runner handicap at Perth (2½m) in September. Not in same form when seventh at Carlisle 9 days ago but suspicion the return to 3m will suit and better showing certainly not ruled out.

Form: 7367-17

Anamanda³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Dominic Hislop⁽⁷⁾| T: N W Alexander| OR: 81

15/2

A 3-time winner on the Flat in France and whilst yet to taste success over hurdles, she ran well in a refitted hood when second at Musselburgh (3m) in March. Probably needed first start for 6 months at Perth in September and she's not one to write off from this much-reduced mark.

Form: 65542-0

Reagrove Lord^t,v¹⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: Jonathon Bewley| T: G Bewley| OR: 73

8/1

Shaped as if retaining ability after 13 months off when fourth of 11 in handicap hurdle at Hexham (23f) in May. Failed to build on that at Perth a month later and others boast more persuasive claims having been absent since.

Form: 2899/44

Bray Dale^p¹⁸²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-4| J: P W Wadge| T: C Bissett| OR: 71

80/1

Well beaten in a Hexham seller on his latest start in May and seemingly retains little ability. Goes back up significantly in trip with cheekpieces refitted.

Form: 05P8P-5

Run Baby Run^p¹⁹²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Toby Wynne| T: R M Smith| OR: 67

40/1

No form, with his jumping often suspect in novice/maiden company last season. Market step forward required now handicapping over this longer trip on return.

Form: PP8078-

Forecasts

Ck O'mara (5/2), Bollin Matilda (5/1), Coventry (6/1), Maura Jeanne (6/1), Anamanda (15/2), Reagrove Lord (8/1), Better Be Definite (10/1), Secret Secret (14/1), Melbourne Ghost (20/1), Junior Des Mottes (28/1), Run Baby Run (40/1), Bray Dale (80/1)

C&D winner CK O'MARA remains completely unexposed as a stayer and proved his effectiveness away from the mud when fourth at Perth when last seen in April. There ought to be more to come from Mike Smith's 5-y-o this season and he earns the vote. Likeable mare Bollin Matilda, Coventry (back up in trip) and Anamanda are a trio of others to consider.