14:40 Ayr

Thursday 2 January 2020

All12:3013:0013:3514:1014:4015:1015:45

Book Direct At Western House Hotel Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 5m 53.23s

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Selected odds by:

Portrush Ted^t⁵¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Adrian Heskin| T: W Greatrex| OR: 131

11/4

Was a winner of a Grade Two bumper at Aintree (2m1f) in April 2018. Scored at the first attempt over hurdles at Perth (3m) on his last outing in August 2018. Big player despite this lengthy absence.

Form: 12P21/1-

Better Getalong²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Craig Nichol| T: N G Richards| OR: 131| C

5/1

Has featured at Grade One level over hurdles. His last success came at this course over 2m back in January 2018. Could only finish fifth of eight last time at Haydock (2m3f). Very capable at this level so he is one to include on your shortlist.

Form: 2P/265-5

Taxmeifyoucan^p¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: B S Hughes| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 130

7/1

Has prevailed twice in his last four starts, including success on his latest outing at Carlisle (3m1f) in a four runner field. Has gone up 3lb in the weights for that victory. Leading contender to follow up.

Form: 468-141

Fine Rightly^h,t³⁶⁵

Age: 12| Weight: 11-11| J: C O'Farrell| T: S R B Crawford| OR: 130| CD

15/2

Was third of eight on his return to hurdles on his last start which was back in January 2019. Has had a lot of success over fences over the last couple of years. Must be respected off this latest mark.

Form: 20544/3-

Eternally Yours⁶⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Callum Whillans⁽³⁾| T: D W Whillans| OR: 127| D

2/1

Has recorded two wins over hurdles, while she has not performed badly in defeat, including last time at Carlisle (2m4f) when she was third of nine. Remains off the same mark. Can't discount.

Form: 41/212-3

Grand Morning^t³⁰⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 125| C

16/1

Has won three of his four starts over hurdles. His latest three runs have come over fences where he has struggled. He finished at the rear of four runners at Kelso last time in a 2m7½f handicap chase. Can't ignore on his return to hurdles.

Form: 111/PP4-

One For Harry⁴⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-6| J: R D Day| T: N G Richards| OR: 125| D

16/1

Experienced gelding who has eight wins over hurdles. His last success was back in December 2017 though, when he scored at Haydock (2m3f). He finished sixth of eight on his return to action at Wetherby (2m3½f) back in November. Others appeal more.

Form: 8544P-6

King Of Fashion^t⁵⁹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 10-10| J: Henry Brooke| T: I A Duncan| OR: 115| C

20/1

A C&D winner who has been out of form recently. His last appearance was in May 2018 when he was 11th of 13 at Aintree (3m½f). Has since switched yards. Best to watch on his return to action.

Form: 34P66/0-

Strong Economy⁴¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: Sean Quinlan| T: I A Duncan| OR: 110| CD

18/1

His sole success came over this C&D. He was third of nine on his last outing over fences which came at this track (2m4½f), back in November 2018. Returns to hurdles where he has to be respected off this mark.

Form: 423B/43-

Non-Runners

Ryedale Racer⁴⁷

Weight: 11-4| Age: 9

T: N W Alexander J: Grant Cockburn

Forecasts

Eternally Yours (2/1), Portrush Ted (11/4), Better Getalong (5/1), Taxmeifyoucan (7/1), Fine Rightly (15/2), Ryedale Racer (10/1), Grand Morning (16/1), One For Harry (16/1), Strong Economy (18/1), King Of Fashion (20/1)

PORTRUSH TED is on a hat-trick bid here after wins in a bumper and over hurdles respectively. He has been off the track since August 2018 but he can make a winning return here to build upon the smart performances he produced before his break. Taxmeifyoucan is in great form at the moment and will come close to another victory in this race, while Better Getalong should be taken to fill the placings as he is more than capable of being in the mix at this level.