Ayr 5.25
MICHAEL - Ayr 5.25 - Handicap - Class 6 - 1 mile 2 furlongs - 14 run - Going Good to Soft(a dry day is forecast)
Rory The Cat is the one they all have to beat but it has a 4lbs penalty and this is basement level stuff, so I'll oppose it and also another at the top of the market that I think is opposable at the restrictive price is Streetscape who hasn't yet convinced at the 10 furlong trip.
Braes Of Doune is on a nice handicap mark but is better it seems on the AW and may not enjoy the cut in the ground. Zakram is coming down to a nice mark and really should be winning soon but is another who isn't yet totally convincing at this trip.
I'm most keen on STELIOS a progressive 3 year old for Phillip Makin and likely Luke Morris will give it every assistance from the saddle. A bit of an eyecatcher last time at Beverley and I don;t think we've seen the best of this horse yet. One is is obviously more exposed but capable still is ROYAL COUNTESS, a Course and Distance winner and regular and winner of this race in 2020, best on Good to Firm but has won on Soft here, so no excuses and a nice combination of a possibly improving 3 year old and a rock solid older horse who is due a win and who should be very competitive off this mark.
If you want a bit of shrapnel at BIG Odds then the Goldie second string JAMINOZ is well worth a closer look. It is a Course winner at 7 furlongs, placed at 1 mile and 1 furlong and an overall pedigree that suggests 10 furlongs could be in range. It's down to a basement mark and I have a strong suspicion it could outrun the early odds and nick an enhanced place.
(1) Stelios / (2) Royal Countess - (3) if you wish shrapnel - Jaminoz.