It is to be hoped that the hastily arranged meeting at Ayr goes ahead, as not only does it provide a welcome return to jumps action, it also offers much the best quality action of the day. Endless Power, who has developed into a useful chaser, can cope with a return to the smaller obstacles to take the featured Blue Square SP Guarantee Handicap Hurdle (2.30).

Endless Power progressed last season and looked better than ever on his return to action over the Grand National fences at Aintree in November when making all in the Grand Sefton Chase. He is able to race off the same mark here, while the testing underfoot conditions will hold no fears. Endless Power may take some pegging back and rates a fair bet at 14-1 with Ladbrokes to gain a fifth course success.

Jass looks sure to go close in the Blue Square Handicap Chase (3.00). He put up a career-best when beaten a length by the well-handicapped King Barry over course and distance last month, finishing clear of the rest of the field. He was unsuited by a drop in trip when a below-par fourth at Sedgefield 11 days later but, back to his optimum conditions, can return to form.

The best bet of the day is Princess Flame in the Blue Square Mobile Handicap Hurdle (3.30). This seven-year-old mare tried the Flat for the first time last year, improving throughout the season and winning three of her final four starts. She struggled with her jumping back over hurdles at Fontwell in November, but was much more fluent when a comfortable winner at Leicester 13 days ago. With Tony McCoy taking over in the saddle, she can defy a 7lb rise.
American World and Zaffarella look to be the potential improvers in the Ayr Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (4.00), with preference for the latter. Useful in bumpers, she lost her way over hurdles last season but ran much better on her first start since joining Lucinda Russell when a staying-on fourth to Well Disguised at Newcastle last month.

It is disappointing that Channel 4 are showing so much of a low-grade card at Kempton in preference to some better-class action at Lingfield. Art Man is taken to land the feature race at the latter, the William Hill January Sale Bonuses Galore! Handicap (3.20). He is able to run off the same mark as when winning at Great Leighs last May and looked to be returning to form when a good third over a mile at the same track 12 days ago.

Aeroplane has been a frustrating horse to follow over the past couple of years, but Simon Callaghan finally seems to have found the key to him and he can complete a treble in the William Hill January Sale Conditions Stakes (2.50). He showed his usual high cruising speed before quickening up well to win over seven furlongs at Kempton on Wednesday and is likely to be even more effective now that he drops back in distance.

Posted on January 11th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Horse Racing news