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Fergal O’Brien sends two runners on the 706-mile round trip to Ayr on Monday

Trainers can be forgiven for sending their runners to more local tracks, given the rising costs of getting a horse to the races. It’s therefore usually worth taking not when horses are sent on particularly long journeys, as they’re surely not there for a day out.

Gloucestershire-based trainer Fergal O’Brien is set to send two runners on the 706-mile round trip to Ayr on Monday so we’ve taken a look at their chances. Connections won’t want to come home empty-handed and both are worth considering. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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4.00 Ayr

Serious Challenge has only had two starts over hurdles so far and managed to get off the mark at the second time of asking, when last seen. Far too buzzy when a well beaten fifth on debut at Huntingdon, it was obvious that he was badly in need of the experience. Only three of the four horses ahead of him have run since and they’ve all won at least once, making that form rock-solid.

O’Brien’s gelding settled much better at Plumpton after that and saw the extended 2m4f trip out well to score by two lengths. The way he races indicates that the return to two miles won’t be a problem but Gordon Elliott’s runner looks like the main danger here.

Serious Challenge

Analysis

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5.10 Ayr

Keep Tabs On You cost €70,000 and the five-year-old is set to make his debut here. His half-brother won twice over hurdles in Ireland and his dam is related to a couple of useful sorts, including Tombstone, who was decent for Gordon Elliott.

O’Brien has one winner from three runners at Ayr so far this season, giving him a 33 per cent strike-rate. He’ll be hoping to better that here and Triple Crown Ted looks like the biggest threat. Victory can’t be ruled out and Jack Hogan’s 3lb claim won’t go amiss either.

Keep Tabs On You

Analysis

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