13:40 Ayr
Thursday 2 January 2025
All12:1012:4013:1013:4014:1514:5015:25
Ayrshire Cancer Support Masquerade Ball Handicap Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 5 | 2m 4f 100y | Soft | 18 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 5m 27.04s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Made a winning handicap debut at this C&D in early-2023 but hasn't managed to go on from that effort since, running below form on last 2 starts. Needs to get back on track as he returns from 10 months off (has had breathing operation).
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Has made the frame (modest form) all 3 completed starts over hurdles, avoiding mistakes when second in a Kelso novice (20.9f) 25 days ago, albeit beaten 21 lengths. Needs to find more back in a handicap.
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Three-time winner in 2022/23, including at this C&D, but failed to fire in 3 starts last season. After 6 months off, shaped as if better for the run when fourth of 5 at Uttoxeter (15.8f) in July, but he's been off again since.
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Placed in an Irish point and encouragement when making the frame at Wetherby on hurdles bow. Remote third at Catterick next time, before down the field at Musselburgh (15.6f) on seasonal/handicap debut in November, but the step up in trip should suit.
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Struck at second time of asking for Sandy Thomson in a Perth handicap in June, but failed to repeat that effort at Kelso 5 months later (following a wind op). However, he ran better when fourth of 8 at Doncaster (16.6f) last time. Tongue strap back on.
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Won 3 times over fences at around 20f during 2022/23 campaign. Failed to kick on from a respectable run over hurdles last term, well held in handicap chase at this course (20.5f) in February. Off 10 months (has had breathing operation).
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Made a winning start for Dan Skelton back over hurdles at Worcester in September. Shaped encouragingly first 2 outings for current yard, runner-up at Kelso (20.9f) in November, before finding it tougher up in grade last time. Could bounce back.
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In the frame twice in points and, upped further in trip, made more impact on third start over hurdles when sixth of 9 in a Cartmel maiden (22.1f) in June. Further improvement required as he goes handicapping after 6 months off.
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Last win came at this C&D back in March 2023 and, after 5 months off, has finished well beaten returned to chasing on his last 2 starts. However, he's now dropped below his last winning mark as he reverts to hurdling with cheekpieces reapplied.
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Made the frame all 3 starts in bumpers (trained by Dan Skelton first 2 outings), but hadn't offered much over hurdles until taking a step forward in first-time cheekpieces when landing handicap at Market Rasen (20.6f) on Boxing Day. Respected under a penalty.
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Successful at this course (18f) in December 2023 but lost his way as the season ended and pulled up on return. However, under Dominic Hislop he bounced back to form when third at Musselburgh (19.8f) in November. Capable of getting involved.
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After 5 months off, finished well held but showed a bit more promise on third start when seventh of 12 in novice at Kelso (18.1f) in April, still having plenty to do between 4 out and 3 out. Could yet do better as he makes handicap debut after 8 months off.
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Successful twice in 2022/23 but ran only once the following season. However, after another 5 months off she bounced back when winning at Sedgefield (19.8f) in October. Backed up that effort when fourth at Haydock (24.3f) last time, so she could be in the mix.
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Veteran who has 9 chase wins at this course to his name. However, ran no sort of race at Carlisle on final outing in 2023/24 and has fared no better in 2 starts here this season. Others preferred back over hurdles.
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Remains a maiden after 17 starts. Reached the frame in handicap hurdles for this yard last winter but pulled up both starts this season, the latest at Carlisle (19.3f) 18 days ago.
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Hinted at ability on bumper debut and did the same making third start over hurdles, unable to sustain effort from a long way back when down the field in a Kelso maiden (16.2f) 25 days ago. Upped in trip for handicap bow.
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Has looked an improved performer with tongue tie applied last 2 starts, getting off the mark in 16-runner handicap hurdle at Newcastle (20.3f) 19 days ago. Enters calculations now that he's up and running.
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Only one win from 22 starts but placed on 4 of his 6 outings last season. Failed to come on for reappearance run when sixth of 11 at Hexham (20.1f) 22 days ago, but he's not ruled out from 5 lb below his winning mark.
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Non-Runners
1
Achnamara7
Weight: 12-3| Age: 6
T: P A Kirby J: Conor Rabbitt
NR
6
Ninetofive68
Weight: 11-13| Age: 8
T: A M Thomson J: Lewis Dobb
NR
Forecasts
Alright Dai (11/5), Cave Hill (7/2), Wainwright (6/1), Achnamara (6/1), Beat The Retreat (15/2), So Many Roads (11/1), Lewa House (11/1), Ninetofive (14/1), Snowrocco (20/1), Marty Mcfly (20/1), Topkapi Star (22/1), Love That (28/1), Euchan Falls (28/1), Santa Clarita (33/1), Ballyquin Bay (33/1), The Jeweller's Pet (33/1), Coral Blue (50/1), Lisloran (50/1), Ardera Cross (80/1), Catcha Flight (125/1)
ACHNAMARA wasted no time getting back on track when opening his hurdles account with a wide-margin success at Sedgefield on Boxing Day and he can go on to score again under a penalty. Alright Dai also arrives on the back of a win 7 days ago and could be the biggest threat, with Cave Hill and Beat The Retreat also considered.
- Alright Dai11/5
- Cave Hill7/2
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £4,225.002nd: £1,944.003rd: £972.004th: £486.005th: £242.00
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