AYR'S course officials are banking on a rise in temperatures to compensate for the loss of yesterday's meeting due to the current cold snap.

The Met Office has thankfully issued an upbeat forecast, which is potentially good news for Rosie Redman (2.50), a leading fancy for the headline race, the £20,000 Lloyds TSB Handicap Chase.

Trained by Jim Turner, based at Helperby, near Boroughbridge, Rosie Redman reeled off a fantastic four-timer during her 2004 campaign, a string of successes that included a sparkling track-and-trip triumph.

Not surprisingly, the handicapper had his say and as a result Rosie Redman shot up the weights, though the game mare still found sufficient improvement to nab another couple of staying chases last term.

Turner hasn't got many horses, so it has been important for the stable that his main striker continues to lead the line so effectively, a trend which shows no sign of stopping in view of her encouraging comeback when third at Kelso.

For the opener at the west of Scotland seaside resort, look no further than Corrib Lad (1.45), worth another chance having let favourite backers down badly last month.

Lenny Lungo's equine giant has the size and scope to excel over fences, moreover he's scheduled to be ridden by Gary Berridge, one of the most underrated conditional jockeys currently plying his trade on the northern circuit.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.