2.20pm Ayr Tips & Betting Preview 17/01/2017

A fascinating six runner Novice Chase at Ayr , see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: All eyes will be on David Pipe’s Starchitect in what, on the face of it, looks to be a decent chance to get his head in front over fences at the third time of asking. He looked classy over the sticks and was rated 143 before switching to the larger obstacles last month and the odds suggest that the bookmakers expect him to break his duck here. That said, at the price on what could be very heavy going the youngest horse in the field looks worth taking on and it’s TAKINGRISKS who gets the vote. Nicky Richards’ mount is another who impressed over hurdles and who boasts a good piece of chase form. He looks the much more appealing options at the odds with Clan Legend another live outsider.

1 CLAN LEGEND – Had a great season over hurdles last term including when rattling off a hattrick in class 4/5 company. Won by 10 lengths at Hexham last month on chase debut but this looks to be somewhat more difficult. However, he looks the type to improve and the heavy ground plays right in to his hands.

2 AMINABAD – A decent hurdler for Gordon Elliott but hasn’t fully convinced over fences in four runs. Capable on his day but has a lot to prove for his new yard including doubts about the ground.

3 DAKOTA GREY – Looked good in the mud last season when winning a novice hurdle at Carlisle. That form now looks questionable though and although it looked as if he needed the run last time out on chase debut he may be flying too high here.

4 KINGS BANDIT – Showed some very solid form for then trainer Donald McCain when hurdling. He has since switched to Oliver Sherwood and now Gordon Elliott and although chasing hasn’t exactly looked his strong suit in the last 12 months he’s in the right hands if the ability is there. The trip looks ideal but he won’t want the ground to ease too much.

5 STARCHITECT – The class act of the field on old hurdling form and has taken quite well to chasing. The distance holds no fear and pretty versatile groundwise although heavier ground benefits others more.

6 TAKINGRISKS – A smart hurdler who has enjoyed a mixed start to life as a chaser. Fell at Catterick on his 2nd start earlier this month when upped to 3m 1f but his 3rd at Carlisle in November looks like a nice piece of form. He should have more to offer now back down in trip and looks a solid contender.