Racecards
14:20 Ayr
James Barr Novices' Hurdle (Class C) (Class C)
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good
Isio (FR)
27- Form 22121
- Age 6
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey R Johnson
held up in touch, headway to lead approaching 4 out, ridden 2 out, clear when mistake last, driven out flat
- Form 0F2141
- Age 6
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer Ferdy Murphy
- Jockey J P McNamara
held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and effort next, chased winner 2 out, kept on under pressure flat
- Form 126130
- Age 6
- Weight 11-8
tracked leader, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace after
Idiome (FR)
27- Form 241633
- Age 6
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer Mrs L Taylor
- Jockey H Oliver
headway 5th, ridden and effort 3 out, one pace from next
Sun King
18- Form 4-21S01
- Age 5
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer Mrs M Reveley
- Jockey Paul Carberry
headway 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened after 2 out
- Form 0P-F
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Mrs D Thomson
- Jockey Mr P Robson
led, headed approaching 4 out, soon ridden and weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
- Form 230
- Age 6
- Weight 11-0
held up in rear, outpaced after 4 out
- Form 000
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer J Billinge
- Jockey M H Naughton
tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place 5th, behind from next, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
- Age 7
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer N G Richards
- Jockey B P Harding
pulled hard in rear, tailed off after 4 out
In depth
Verdict
The former French-trained Isio, now with Nicky Henderson has shown progressive form over hurdles this season with wins at Ludlow and Newbury sandwiched either side of a respectable second to Hitman at Kempton. A reproduction of any of those efforts should be enough in this company. Khan Kicker showed that he handles faster ground well enough when winning at Kelso last time, while the Martin Pipe-trained Maragun, who will relish the conditions, is entitled to improve for his recent run at Aintree which was his first since November, are others to consider.