UK racing tips – Tuesday 2 January 2024

AYR

Race 1 – ESPIRIT DU PORTIER 8/11

Smart jumpers flat race performer ESPRIT DU POTIER (2) has finished second on both hurdling starts to date (including at this course) and now goes up in trip. Leading candidate.

HOMBRE DE GUERRA (3) finished fourth tacking 2mf in a warm maiden hurdle here last month. Won’t be far away if improving for the increased distance.

PRESIDENT SCOTTIE (5) made a pleasing hurdling debut but that leaves him with 12L to find with the top selection. SATTAM (6) was soundly beaten on his first run over hurdles but had previously demonstrated ability in jumpers flat races in Ireland.

Race 2 – BEAT THE RETREAT 11/2

On his second start after wind surgery BEAT THE RETREAT (3) was a stylish winner tackling 2m2f here 13 days ago. Handicapper has not reacted too harshly. Decent chance of following up.

AMBUSH ANNIE (14) stepped forward on handicap and stable debut when third to the top selection. This further increase in distance promises to suit. Each-way claims from the foot of the weights.

CLOVIS BOY (1) had wind surgery over the summer and came good on his second handicap start at Hexham latest. A 4.4lb rise looks fair. The unexposed FOLLOW CHARLIE (5) is another to consider.

Race 3 – MAROWN 3/1

MAROWN (2) stays this trip and has won here three times. Second over course and distance from this mark on seasonal comeback and promises to go close.

ANTI BRIDGIE (6) has finished third in two runs over fences and is on a mark from which he can win at some point.

Previous course winner UP HELLY AA KING (5) is sliding down the weights and will find this easier than Cheltenham last time. DORKING COCK (1) unseated at Aintree latest but won over hurdles the time before and has the ability to go well.

Race 4 – AUBIS WALK 6/4

AUBIS WALK (1) jumped neatly when winning over course and distance on chasing debut. She gave lots of weight to the second and they pulled a long way clear of the third so a 6.6lb ratings rise might underestimate her.

BALLYCOOSE (2) finished second here over hurdles last start and ought to make a chaser. Respect.

Fellow chasing debutant GRAIN D’OUDAIRIES (3) had a hard race when winning at Uttoxeter in November and has flopped since. Might get back on track.

Bottom weight TRAVAIL D’ORFEVRE (5) is ultra-reliable and can take advantage if his less experienced rivals falter.

Race 5 – AILIE ROSE 5/2

AILIE ROSE (3) is back to the mark from which she won by 6.5L over course and distance in April 2022. Made a pleasing reappearance in a Listed hurdle at Navan last month. Chance.

BARBADOS BUCK’S (2) was rated much higher at his peak and got off the mark for his new yard in a three-runner race at Carlisle latest. Respected after being nudged up just 3.3lb.

G2-winning hurdler WAKOOL (1) fell at the first on most recent start but is a specialist at this track. Could easily bounce back. RAFFERTY’S RETURN (4) needs to improve upon recent efforts.

Race 6 – JOSHUA DES FLOS 10/11

JOSHUA DES FLOS (4) has filled third spot in all three runs over hurdles. Latest course and distance effort behind a horse who has since run creditably in G1 company reads well. The one to beat.

Irish point-to-point winner MYRETOWN (6) was sent off odds-on for his debut under rules. Underwhelmed in fourth that day but can do better now switching to hurdles.

PROFESSOR KLUMP (7) might improve with headgear now on but probably needs to. The top selection’s unraced stablemate RAYNBO (14) has an appealing profile on paper.

Race 7 – ESCAPEANDEVADE 10/3

The last time ESCAPEANDEVADE (1) tackled this course and distance he ran out a 15L winner. Back to just 1.1lb above that winning mark and conditions are expected to suit.

HERITIER (5) had been in good form over hurdles prior to finishing second on stable debut over fences. A player from this rating.

FIA FUINIDH (3) won here over hurdles last season and has made a bright start to his chasing career. Respect.

FEARLESS (2) has been dropped 1k since a third at Haydock in November and has run well on previous visits to this track.