Ayr - Monday July 22

AYR 

Going – Good To Firm

Still bright and sunny in Scotland, but with a potential break in the weather for fast ground performers  this could be a last chance to shine for a while. Field sizes are diminishing and from that point of view some rain would be welcomed.

2.00 7f EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 4)

LONGTON stretched on from the start but found STARS OVER THE SEA too good in the latter stages. The result was pretty much as expected if you ignore the winner’s misfortune at the start at Haydock.

Newcomer BEAUTIFUL STRANGER was tapped for pace in the straight but should learn from the experience.

2.30 7f Racing UK App Handicap (Class 5)

Even at the age of 10 BARNEY McGREW is perfectly capable in this class. He showed real determination to hold off the in-form WEST LEAKE HARE as the pair came went from off the pace but clear in the final furlong. A solid enough effort from both.

CHOOKIE AVON ran on but was well held while old campaigner BECKEERMET led three out but was held in the final two furlongs and beaten into fourth. Like Triskaidekaphobia mentioned from Hamilton, I saw Beckermet run at Newbury in 2005 when he won the Hackwood Stakes. He’s lost that sharpness but still tries hard enough.

And a chance to be frivolous on two fronts:

It wasn’t that long ago that ‘App’ in a race title meant it was for apprentices, a sure measure of my entry into old fogey-dom.

Did you know that the Trumpton Fire Station role call was complete in all but one episode, that being when Cuthbert was omitted as it was his day off?  Remember when it comes up in quizzes that there were seven firemen, Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb and the one easily forgotten, and calling the role, Captain Flack! I think Barney McGrew was the be-whiskered driver, but don’t take my word for it.

3.05 1m 5f Watch Racing UK on Sky 432 Handicap (Class 5)

A decent pace set by FORREST FLYER suited the other pair here as they are both hold up horses.

GRAND DIAMOND had more to give than SCHMOOZE once the leader gave way and the second is better in a bigger field with more cover, though she does need the race to fall for her.

3.40 5f Racing UK Handicap (Class 4)

FITZ FLYER pulled hard early under restraint from Joe Fanning. However, he took it up a furlong out and was able to win quite decisively. This was the easiest opportunity he has had for some while and he proved it even though wasting some of his energy. He runs consistently in big fields where it’s easier to keep him covered up.

ECONOMIC CRISIS runs regularly, and often passably well without being a prolific winner. She ran well enough in second but remains one to avoid for win betting purposes.

DIMAN WATERS was bandaged and didn’t appear at ease on the ground. He has won on good to firm, so perhaps that’s not the whole story, but I’m not sure he was happy here.

MIDNIGHT DYNAMO had every chance and wasn’t quick enough in the final furlong.

BRTONZE BEAU was the first to give way and well held.

4.15 6f Racing Replay Sky 432 Fillies’ Handicap (Class 4)

A cracking battle between two determined fillies drawing clear in the final furlong. SOMEONE’s DARLING, who has proved before that she is a tenacious sort, battled hard to lead in the last 50 yards having been pegged back after leading over one out. She did enough to win and might still have some more improvement in her.

DANCHEUR  battled back determinedly and only gave way close home. A decent effort and provided the ground remains on the quick side then she can score again.

SUNNY SIDE UP was readily cast aside over a furlong out and PERFECT BLOSSOM couldn’t match the leaders from the furlong pole. Both act in the conditions and it seems they just weren’t good enough here.

4.45 1m Luke Currie Memorial Handicap (Class 3)

BOLD PREDICTION and AERONWYN BRYN battled neck and neck from three out. The former just held sway though tightening up the second a couple of times Bold Prediction asserted in the final hundred yards and looked the winner on merit, though I didn’t get a chance to see the head-on shot of this contest.

PARTY ROYAL was quickly outpaced over two out.

5.15 6f Racing UK App Handicap (Class 6)

Not a strong contest, but DARTRIX is lightly raced for a four-year-old sprinter and could prove a bit better than a Class 6 animal. He made headway from halfway, led a furlong out and gradually forged away from that point.

SAXONETTE is in decent form, is currently a good yardstick and lost nothing in taking second. SCRIPT looks just a little high in the weights, but he’s running consistently and probably won’t get any respite. He led over one out and kept on once headed.