Racecards
13:35 Ayr
Gala Casinos Daily Record Novices' Handicap Chase (Class B) (Class B)
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 3m 1f
- Going: Good

- Form 3411P1
- Age 6
- Weight 11-10
- Trainer Mrs H Dalton
- Jockey A S Smith
held up early, mistake and lost place 8th, hit 10th, soon ridden and lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 13th

- Form F114PU
- Age 6
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey Paul Carberry
held up towards rear, headway 11th,pushed along approaching 4 out, effort next, one pace under pressure

- Form 11-11F2
- Age 7
- Weight 11-3
held up towards rear, headway 11th, ridden 4 out, effort next, no extra from 2 out

- Form 420422
- Age 6
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer Mrs L Taylor
- Jockey A Thornton
tracked leaders, led after 10th, ridden approaching last, stayed on strongly flat

- Form 5-33214
- Age 7
- Weight 10-6
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey N Williamson
held up in rear, headway 14th, ridden and weakened 4 out, behind when fell 2 out

- Form 1F121P
- Age 7
- Weight 10-6
- Trainer J Howard Johnson
- Jockey R McGrath
held up mid-division, headway 10th, pushedd along and lost place 11th, hit 13th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 5 out

- Form 143632
- Age 8
- Weight 10-4
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
tracked leaders, left in lead 7th, headed 9th, mistake 12th, ridden next, outpaced approaching 5 out

Tobago (IRE)
19- Form F2-2341
- Age 7
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Mr R M P McNally
led until fell 7th

- Form 331213
- Age 7
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Miss Lucinda V Russell
- Jockey R Johnson
in touch, headway to lead 9th, headed after next, mistake and lost place 5 out, soon ridden, effort 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, kept on same pace
In depth
Verdict
A competitive opening event on what promises to be a great day at the Scottish venue. Direct Access is taken to provide a homegrown success and re-establish himself as one of the top novices of his generation. After impressing on his first two starts this term, Len Lungo's youngster came unstuck when falling at Cheltenham before a lack lustre effort at Haydock last time. Reported to be back to his best, Direct Access looks very much the one to beat. Run For Paddy had an easy task last time but appeared to have his limitations exposed previously however still rates a danger as does Artic Jack, who unseated his rider at Aintree last time and who on his best form could also take a hand. Paul Nicholls saddles the disappointing Garruth, but stable companion Tobago is the least exposed runner in the event and any market support for him would be worth noting.