Murray was winning Wimbledon..., meanwhile at Ayr racecourse

AYR – Sunday July 7^th

Going – Good To Firm (Good in places)

2.00 7f totejackpot 2yo Maiden Stakes (Class 5)

Three non-runners cut this event to a three-runner race. It turned into a head-to-head battle over the last three furlongs between SIR JACK LAYDEN and Lyn Valley, the former asserting in the final half furlong. The winner ran creditably in finishing seventh in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

LYN VALLEY stepped up significantly on a debut fourth at Musselburgh. He showed a good attitude and can win a race before long.

LONGTON made a fair debut, a little outpaced from two out off a steady early pace, but keeping on honestly enough. He’s with the right trainer and will come on for this.

2.30 7f totepool.com Fillies’ Handicap (73-83)

MAGIC DESTINY was very impressive in winning this. The other three were hard pressed from three out but Danny Tudhope allowed the winner to cruise home with any amount in hand. She can trouble better opponents.

JEANNIE GALLOWAY was very keen early on, but she kept on to hold second. She’s exposed which suggests that both ALICE’S DANCER, who closed gradually on the second in the final furlong, and SHESASTAR seem pretty much on their mark at this time.

3.00 1m 2f totequadpot Handicap (65-82)

Improving three-year-old ARGAKI tracked the leaders and took over two out, after which he was in clear control in the final furlong. He won a small field maiden at Hamilton and it could just be that form was under-rated. He relishes the fast ground and can follow up.

The remainder were in a heap, headed by RESET CITY and EUTROPIUS. NOW MY SUN pulled hard in the first half mile and never got in a blow, needing to settle better to make a mark.

FULL TOSS went well for the first mile on seasonal debut but faded quickly approaching the final furlong. He can improve on this with a run behind him.

3.30 1m 2f totetrifecta Handicap (39-60)

Not a great event, but won by BARTON BOUNTY who had scored previously over course and distance this season. He pulled clear in the final two furlongs in a duel with MEGLIO ANCORA. Nothing else got near the two and the fact that they are six-year-olds doesn’t bode particularly well for immediate prospects.

AMAZING BLUE SKY set the pace but folded tamely once headed over three out.

Handicap debutant CAPTAIN RHYRIC kept on steadily to finish fourth. He started handicaps off a lowly mark of 50, but there was a hint that he can get involved at the sharp end of contests in this class.

4.00 Graham Piatczanyn 50^th Birthday Handicap (61-70)

JEBEL TARA picked up the winning thread once again, well ridden by Paul Pickard who is a useful if perhaps slightly under-rated 3lb claimer. His mount doesn’t do an awful lot in front, which may have helped him get on a sequence. He hit the front one out and was stopping close home but the race was in the bag. He’ll be in a higher grade now as he ran off 70 here, but only just does enough and probably hasn’t finished winning for the year.

CORTON LAD and NIMIETY closed to the line but in truth the winner was a bit better. Both are worth noting in similar company as they have gone the right way this season.

WELLINGROVE briefly threatened two out but has lacked the final blow in his races to date.

4.30 1m Collect totepool winnings at Betfred Shops Handicap (76-90)

ABLE MASTER is a seven-year-old, but was recording a first ever win over a mile. He set the pace, Danny Tudhope gradually winding things up and his mount staying on most willingly.

OSTEOPATHIC REMEDY closed steadily in the latter stages but ran out of ground when half a length short. He runs honest races but is well exposed, though he may be best giving weight to inferiors.

ANOTHER FOR JOE had every chance but was held from the furlong pole.

LIMIT UP was made favourite and had every chance but weakened quickly in the final furlong. He raced a bit keenly which may not have helped.

ACT YOUR SHOE SIZE couldn’t repeat her recent winning  effort and was well held in the final two furlongs.

5.00 5f Western House Hotel Amateur Riders’ Handicap (44-64)

A ‘whose turn is today?’ event with amateur riders doesn’t rate as the best material either fro betting or future reference. The leaders went tanking off and 12 lengths separated the field after two furlongs.

FOREIGN RHYTHM was brought from midfield by Vicky Davies (nee Barr) and just held a fast finishing second. The winner is well exposed but often thereabouts in lowly sprints.

RYEDANE was well off the pace until halfway but rattled home in the final furlong and only just failed. He generally comes from off the pace and just couldn’t go with the others early on.

SAXONETTE was closer to the pace than the other two and kept on willingly to fill third, while WICKED WILMA ran a fair race but was held in fourth  and I suspect she would welcome a bit of cut these days…

…and then Andy Murray won at Wimbledon!