AYR
Race 1 – TWO AULD PALS 7/2
TWO AULD PALS found one too strong as he went in search of his hat-trick at Hamilton nine days ago, but Jim Goldie’s in-form gelding merits respect raised just 1lb in the handicap.
However, preference is for GOLDEN SHOT. Sir Mark Prescott’s unexposed stayer hit the woodwork at Newcastle when last seen, and he looks a likely improver now switched to turf. Others to note include the consistent Ghadbbaan and Glasses Up.
Race 2 – DOROTHY LAWRENCE 2/9
DOROTHY LAWRENCE appears to have been found a gilt-edged opportunity to open her account at Ayr.
It says plenty about the regard in which the daughter of Soldier’s Call is held that she was a hot favourite to make a winning start to her career at Newmarket’s Craven meeting in April.
Her supporters were ultimately left counting their losses, but Karl Burke’s filly shaped with plenty of promise in finishing second to Persian Dreamer, who recently stamped her class on the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes.
Since that initial effort Dorothy Lawrence has been placed twice in Listed company, going down narrowly to stablemate Got To Love A Grey in the Marygate at York before finishing third in France last month.
She has far less on her plate in the Irish EBF Maiden Stakes and there will be some long faces in the Burke camp if she is unable to break her duck.
Race 4 – THE CALTONIAN 7/1
THE CALTONIAN stepped up markedly on what he had shown previously to run an excellent race on his handicap debut over C&D last month, and he must hold every chance if building on that effort.
The hat-trick seeking See My Baby Jive can give him the most to think about, along with Carlisle scorer Gentle Ellen. Completing the shortlist are the likes of Chookie Dunedin, Earn Your Stripes and Muddy Lynn.
Race 6 – ARCHDUKE FERDINAND 15/4
A narrow winner at Musselburgh on his final start for Tracey Waggott three weeks ago, ARCHDUKE FERDINAND looks more than capable of defying a subsequent 1lb rise in the handicap and he is fancied to repeat the dose.
Ayr Poet seldom runs poorly around here and must be respected in receipt of weight all round, while Star Shield ought to feature following a string of solid performances. Irish Flame remains unexposed and must also be noted.