Ayr Handicap Chase

Stays well and all four wins have been at 3m½f-3m1f on soft or heavy ground. Is 3lb higher than his best winning mark, but was beaten just a head from this mark here last year and should be very competitive in this grade.

Saves his best efforts for Newcastle, where he has recorded three of his five wins, two of them over 2m7½f. Goes on heavy but has been difficult to win with in the past three years and will probably find something too good despite 1lb drop.

Has been a specialist over this trip with all six wins at or around it, including on heavy. However, now on losing run of 23 and last two runs suggest that a 4lb drop today will not be sufficient to see him home in front.

Scored at Kelso over a similar trip (soft) in April when 2lb lower. Has since pulled up and then jinked and unseated rider without jumping a fence last time out, so has a bit to prove at present.

Won twice last season at Hexham (3m, heavy) and Carlisle (3m2f, good to soft), the latter from just 1lb lower than today. Has again been running well in defeat and went very close last time. Should be very competitive.

Has twice won over C&D on heavy ground, including from 1lb higher, but without success for 22-months now and she looks to have a bit to find to get her nose back in front.

Has won a maiden hunter chase (3m2f, good) and a handicap chase (2m7½f, good) at Kelso, the latter in October from 4lb lower. Beaten just ½L from this mark at Musselburgh since, but huge doubts about his ability to handle this ground.

Has few miles on the clock for his age but won a novices' handicap chase at Bangor (3m, soft) last season from the same mark as today. Should be better for recent pipe-opener at Market Rasen and not ruled out.