Racecards
15:50 Ayr
Dm Hall Handicap (Class 4)
- 8 Runners
- Distance: 5f
- Going: Good to Soft
- Surface: Turf
- £11,000 added
- Form 4203-24
- Age 6
- Weight 9-7
- Official Rating 88
- Trainer D Nicholls
- Jockey Adrian Nicholls
with leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on, headed towards finish
Kenmore
11- Form 02057-9
- Age 5
- Weight 9-2
- Official Rating 83
- Trainer D Nicholls
- Jockey Graham Gibbons
outpaced behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on
- Form 47041-6
- Age 4
- Weight 8-12
- Official Rating 79
- Trainer J S Goldie
- Jockey G Bartley
held up in touch, tracked leaders halfway, soon ridden, kept on inside final furlong
- Form 9200-38
- Age 4
- Weight 8-12
- Official Rating 79
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong
- Form 131482
- Age 5
- Weight 8-12
- Official Rating 80
- Trainer R M H Cowell
- Jockey T P Queally
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace
- Form 64/317-8
- Age 4
- Weight 8-11
- Official Rating 78
mid-division, effort when not much room over 1f out, soon headway, ran on to lead towards finish
- Form 1205-55
- Age 11
- Weight 8-7
- Official Rating 74
- Trainer Miss L A Perratt
- Jockey R Ffrench
behind, ridden over 2f out, no impression
- Form 392435
- Age 4
- Weight 8-3
- Official Rating 70
- Trainer Peter Grayson
- Jockey P Mathers
dwelt, in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on same pace
In depth
Verdict
A very tricky race and only a tentative vote of confidence is given to Handsome Cross, who is taken to confirm recent placings with Blazing Heights and Ptarmigan Ridge. Admittedly, this is no easy task from top weight and he needs everything to fall into place for him. Kenmore, who ran respectably in a stronger race at Ascot 11 days ago, is also very much respected now that he has a seasonal run behind him. And he may provide his stablemate with the most to do if the drop in trip doesn't prove to be too sharp for him. The track's emphasis on stamina will be a help and bold bid cannot be ruled out from. However, Handsome Cross looks the preferred option on jockey bookings and, with five furlongs not expected to be an issue for the son of Cape Cross, the mount of Adrian Nicholls just gets the nod on this occasion.
Formwatch
Handsome Cross (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 3/4l behind Cape Royal (8-11) at Epsom 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Apr.
Kenmore 20-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace under pressure, 9th of 21, 8l behind Zidane (8-12) at Ascot 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gd.
Blazing Heights 9-2fav (9-1) Chased leaders, one pace from over 1f out, 6th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Geojimali (8-10) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Apr.
Spiritual Peace (IRE) 11-4fav (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong, last of 8, 8l behind Oranmore Castle (9-1) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) frm.
Canadian Danehill (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, driven and kept on final furlong, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Off The Record (8-8) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-90 (3) fbs.
Sunrise Safari (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Wanchai Lad (8-12) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Ptarmigan Ridge 16-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, switched right inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 5th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Colorus (8-12) at Ripon 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Apr.
Nusoor (IRE) 11-2 (8-6) Held up in rear, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Rowe Park (9-0) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.