Fine Form
Madame Ambassador AY – 3.20
could prove to be the value call in the Fitzdares EBF Rothesay Stakes at Ayr.
Charlie Johnston’s mare won a couple of decent handicaps on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile last season, bolting up off a mark of 85 in September and readily defying a 7lb hike the following month.
Crucially, both of those victories were achieved over a mile and a quarter on a sound surface, a combination she has not faced since but will in this Listed event.
Since her last victory Madame Ambassador has finished a creditable fourth in a heavy ground James Seymour Stakes against the boys in the autumn and faltered over a mile and a half in testing conditions on her reappearance at Goodwood in early May.
The five-year-old has a bit to find on ratings with one or two of her rivals in Scotland, but with a run under her belt and conditions to suit, she may be in a position to post a career best.
Garden Oasis AY – 3.50
has to be of interest in the Follow Fitzdares On Instagram & Twitter Handicap.
Tim Easterby’s veteran is a dual winner from three previous visits to the track and has dropped 6lb in the weights since his last victory 11 months ago.
He is in the twilight of his career at the age of nine, but there was definite promise in his comeback run on soft ground at Pontefract three weeks ago when weakening late on into fourth place after attempting to make every yard of the running.
Those positive tactics have paid off on a quick surface at Ayr before and may do so again.
Born Ruler AY – 4.55
must be respected in the Download The Fitzdares App Now Handicap as the sole runner on the card for Sir Mark Prescott.
The four-year-old won as he liked on his only previous outing on turf at Sandown in September and can be forgiven a disappointing run at Southwell on his final outing of 2023.
He did well to finish second on his Lingfield return earlier in the month and with a drop in trip viewed a positive, Born Ruler should go close despite the burden of top-weight.
Smart Charger YA – 2.30
is rated the best bet at Yarmouth in the opening Quinnbet Daily Free Bet Handicap.
Having only hinted at ability for Tony Carroll, the Saxon Warrior gelding was well backed on his stable debut for Alan King at Southwell last month, going off a short-priced favourite.
He ultimately came up slightly short in second, but should strip fitter for the run given he had been off the track since September and the booking of William Buick suggests connections mean business as he looks to open his account on his first start over a mile and three-quarters.
Buick might also find the target aboard Charlie Appleby’s newcomer
Age Of Gold YA – 4.00
in the British EBF Novice Stakes.
The Moulton Paddocks handler has saddled a few juvenile winners over the past week or so and this €625,000 yearling purchase is bred to be pretty smart, being a son of Frankel and a full-brother to talented sprinter Fivethousandtoone.
Brasil Power KM – 8.00
is the pick in the ‘Neal Hough Scream For Speed’ Handicap at Kempton.
George Boughey’s charge has won twice at the Sunbury circuit and after making late gains from an uncompromising position to grab second on his most recent visit, expect another bold bid.
Onlyamatteroftime WA – 2.08
might finally come good for Willie and Patrick Mullins in the Logicor William Eborall Maiden Hurdle at Warwick.
The eight-year-old was favourite for the Greatwood Hurdle on his first start for the all-conquering Closutton team at Cheltenham in November, but for the second time in his career ran out, indicative of the fact he clearly has his quirks.
However, he has run with credit a couple of times since and will not find many better opportunities than this to record a second career victory.
Jumping action also comes from Southwell, where the consistent course winner
Broomfields Cave SO – 5.40
is fancied to make a winning debut over fences in the Download The Raceday Ready App Novices’ Handicap Chase.
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