AYR has been a happy hunting ground for Mark Johnston, and with fancied runners in both the first two races on the card the stable should not leave the course empty-handed today.

Finishing second is always a bitter pill to swallow, especially when the margin is a short head. Unfortunately that was the fate of Asiatic (1.20), who despite fighting like a tiger on his debut at Haydock in late September, could not quite wear down the Willie Haggas-trained colt, Arkholme.

Most two-year-olds improve for their initial outing and I suspect a fitter and more experienced Asiatic will make no mistake for the Johnston team in division one of the Kirkoswald Maiden Stakes.

In division two Johnston fields Mystical Girl (2.20), who also had to settle for second spot on her debut - at Redcar nine days ago, where she was no match for James Given's useful-looking newcomer, Antediluvian.

Mystical Girl is probably the weaker of the two, but it doesn't appear to be a great race and with the yard boasting such a superb strike-rate with their juveniles, she could make it second time lucky in the seven-furlong contest.

Frankie Dettori is a rare visitor to the Scottish venue, but he is retained by Sheikh Mohammed to ride most of the Godolphin-owned horses, represented by Majestic Horizon (3.50) in the Kidz Play Conditions Stakes.

Majestic Horizon is something of an unknown quantity, having only run twice, winning his second and latest start, a one-mile maiden at Newmarket, in workmanlike fashion.

The official ratings suggest Dettori's mount is inferior to a couple of his rivals, although with bags of scope for further improvement the selection may well be capable of taking this significant step up in class in his stride

The best bet of the day, Ace Of Hearts (3.10), lines up for the mile-and-a-quarter Showcase Handicap at Windsor.

Ace Of Hearts is a bit of a quirky character, often giving away valuable lengths by hanging to one side. It is a trait associated with many a decent performer and it does not put me off recommending Christian Wall's in-form Newmarket raider.

* Ever-cheerful Alan Daly was all smiles as he gained just his eighth winner of the season in the autumn sunshine at Goodwood yesterday.

Daly has found rides hard to come by since losing his claim a couple of seasons ago but keeps working hard and is always the first to put his name forward when a spare mount is on offer.

It was one of his main patrons, Marcus Tregoning, who supplied this success as Alrabab showed just how quickly she is improving by taking the Bet attheraces 0800 083 83 83 Fillies' Stakes (Showcase Handicap).

The 2-1 favourite was all at sea coming down the hill and looked sure to struggle as the pace quickened approaching the final bend.

But Daly gave her time to recover and gradually made up the lost ground as she collared Jasmick just inside the final furlong and went away to win by three lengths, with the pair sreets clear.