Robert Cowell sends one on the 733-mile round trip to Ayr for the first time in 2024

The cost of getting a horse to the races is significant these days and fuel is a major reason why. You would imagine that it’s one of the reasons why Cambridgeshire-based trainer Robert Cowell doesn’t go to Ayr often. Cowell has had just three runners at the Scottish track in the last five seasons so it could be significant that he sends one there for the first time in 2024 on Monday.

It’s a 733-mile round trip and connections won’t want to come home empty-handed! Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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3.05 Ayr

Lexington Blitz is set to make his debut in the second race on the card, the Irish EBF Maiden Stakes. One non-runner means he faces just three rivals and the €67,000 purchase is related to several winners.

Cowell has had just three runners at Ayr in the last five seasons and one of those was a winner, giving him a 33 per cent strike-rate in that period. Stable form would have to be a concern however, as none of his 11 runners in the last fortnight have been successful.

Two of his four rivals have raced before and Bryan Smart’s Managing Director looks like the biggest threat, having finished third on his last outing. Hammer The Hammer was outstayed over 6f at Doncaster on debut and should be well suited by the drop in trip however. Richard Fahey’s Strong Warrior make his debut but his pedigree suggests he’ll improve over longer trips.

If Lexington Blitz wasn’t ready for this outing however, you would assume that connections would have found a race closer to home. It’s definitely an unusual move for Cowell to send one all this way and perhaps that means we should expect a big run.

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