4.40pm Ayr Tips & Betting Preview 12/10/2017

4.40pm Ayr tips for Thursday’s Class 4 race. A field of ten go to post for this long distance handicap at Ayr, with the softer ground likely to make this a very strong test. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: GOLDEN JEFFREY has dismantled his rivals on three of his last four starts and the same should happen again today under Jamie Gormley. He won easily on the flat four starts ago and he’s won twice since over timber. He has a tenacious attitude and won’t be for passing under his seven pound claimer, as plenty of improvement is expected now that he switches back to this sphere. The main danger is the very useful chaser Mixboy who won on his flat debut and isn’t handicapped out of things.

1 MIXBOY – Very useful chaser for Keith Dalgleish who made all in impressive style at Ripon in September, stringing the field out all over the course. A mark of 78 on handicap debut isn’t harsh and he’s a leading contender with softer ground likely to play into his hands.

2 GOLDEN JEFFREY – Has won three of his last four starts, with an easy victory on the flat four starts ago followed by two game wins over timber. There is likely far more improvement to come from him now switched back to the flat and he’ll prove very tough to beat here.

3 GABRIAL’S STAR – Now 12 pounds below his last winning mark, well held at Chester in a field that was strung out in heavy ground. He’s clearly very well treated, but this isn’t an easy Class 4 and others are readily preferred.

4 BUONARROTI – One win from 36 career starts, finishing second at Haydock when last seen over the 1m 4f distance. His stamina for this distance is a big question mark and others are preferred as he usually flatters to deceive.

5 HURRICANE HOLLOW – Has been in good form of late for David Barron, plugging on into fourth at Haydock last month in heavy ground. He now goes up markedly in trip, however, and has his stamina to prove. The yard is out of form and he’s best watched here.

6 BRAES OF LOCHALSH – Has finished second four times in 2017 for Jim Goldie, but that was earlier this season and he’s been well held of late. He stays this far and his current mark isn’t beyond him; others are readily preferred.

7 NEW YOUMZAIN – Ran well on his second start after a long absence, with front-running perhaps not suiting at Ayr when last seen. He’s now two pounds lower and is an each way contender as he should continue improving for his racing now that he’s back from such a long absence.

8 CAPTAIN SWIFT – Won off of three pounds lower at Wolverhampton in December, running well enough since for John Mackie. He’s interesting on his first turf start of 2017 as he’s not badly treated and shouldn’t be too far away back up in distance.

9 LONDON GLORY – Won two starts ago and, despite a three pound rise, he was only beaten by a neck at Musselburgh earlier this month. He does have stamina to prove at this distance, but he’s well worth a go as he’s only had one attempt and he’s an each way player.

10 BODACIOUS NAME – Three-year-old for John Quinn who had been running well on the flat prior to pulling up on hurdling debut. He goes well on testing ground and is unexposed as a stayer, so has to be respected as improvement is likely to be forthcoming.