By Brian Hughes
I have a full book of rides today at Ayr.
Dunly, placed in four bumpers, returns to action after a twelve-month break.
He was badly hampered on his hurdles debut when I was on board here in November 2017 and I expect a much-improved show today with ground and trip to suit.
Buster Valentine, an Irish Point winner, looks the one to beat.
Sporting Press won a bumper for me at Musselburgh in March and ran well on his hurdles debut 22 days ago, beaten by 10 lengths.
He was returning from a 200 holiday and I expect a big run today from a talented horse.
The main dangers are Peters Cousin and Not The Chablis.
Niceandeasy, successful in a bumper and two hurdles, has his comeback run after a 300-day break.
He will appreciate both the soft ground and the trip today.
The stable is in excellent form and he should be right in contention.
You could make a case for many of the runners with Sunny Destination and Mighty Thunder main rivals.
Rainy City, a winner of five under rules, ran reasonably well at Carlisle 17 days ago.
He will appreciate the step up to three miles and should perform better today.
Beau Sancy may complete the four-timer despite another 7-pound hike.
Uppertown Prince, a high-class performer, has won two novice hurdles, was placed in a Grade 2 at Haydock and finished the season in April with a good run for me in the Grade 1 Sefton at Aintree.
He has schooled well and will appreciate the easier ground conditions on chase debut with No Hassle Hoff the main competitor.
Bingo D’Olivate has his first run for the Ewart yard after a break of 220 days.
His form this year has been moderate, though he did have a couple of placed runs in 2017.
He has schooled well and the ground and track will not present any problems. He has a good chance in an ordinary race with Irish raider Pump Road the one to watch.
Caerleon Kate, a winner at Downpatrick in October, travels over from the McBratney stable.
She disappointed in two November runs but a return to October form might at least get her in a runner-up spot to Vinnie Lewis.