WITH a stack of fancied rides to look forward too at Ayr this afternoon, Kevin Darley should not leave the Scottish course empty-handed.

The former champion jockey regularly cherry-picks the cream of what is on offer in the north and trainer Michael Dods' decision to secure Darley's services aboard Balakiref (4.10) makes perfect sense for the seven-furlong Macdonalds Solicitors Handicap.

Formerly in the care of Willie Jarvis, Dods purchased the selection at the Newmarket Sales last October for 28,000 guineas. His first priority was to get his new inmate gelded, and while there were no fireworks from Balakiref on his first few outings for Michael, that all changed at Thirsk last time out, where he chased home Cardinal Venture in a valuable Class C Handicap.

Since the form of the contest is working out very nicely - the fourth home, Raphael, beating off a competitive field at Redcar on Tuesday, Balakiref, operating on his favoured rain-softened ground, should take all the beating.

Darley also has a great chance on Golano (4.45), set to hump top-weight to victory in the Kilmacoln Handicap.

Golano has made the frame on all three of his starts this term, his most recent third-placing at Goodwood being particularly meritorious. Darley was also on board that day, which is a big advantage as tactically he will understand far better just what sort of race he is required to ride.

Attorney (3.00) is weighted to make a bold showing in the five-furlong Workingwithhorses Handicap.

Derek Shaw's gelding has tumbled over 20lbs down the official ratings, due to a series of diabolical efforts during the early part of this season. However, there have been recent signs that he is on the mend, producing a stylish late run to finish on the heels of the leaders in a similar standard race at Nottingham.

I can pass on a favourable word for Blue Sky Thinking (3.50), in with a decent shout of making the long trek to Goodwood pay off in the £14,000 Casco Classified Stakes.

At Wetherby's evening jumping fixture, Paul Nicholls holds a strong hand with Fair Prospect (6.20) and Cornish Gale (8.05).

Both have won their last two respective races and seem certain to take the cash back to Somerset having frightened away the majority of the local opposition.

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