MICHAEL HAMMOND might easily come away from Ayr with a money-spinning treble via Calfraz, Heidi 111 and Green 'N' Gold.
Calfraz (3.40) is first on duty for the Middleham handler when lining up in the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle, a two-miler in which Blue Buster could provide the main threat to the selection.
Judging by his form credentials, Blue Buster is going to be a stern adversary, but Calfraz is the only course and distance winner in the field - crucial local experience that might give him the edge.
Although Heidi 111 is undoubtedly the most talented individual contesting the Rectangle Group Handicap Chase, sadly his consistency doesn't match the gelding's natural ability.
If you do buy into the theory it's worth chancing such unreliable characters, then Heidi 111 (3.40) is quite capable of cashing in if reproducing last season's Wetherby defeat of the classy Osmosis.
Last, but by no means least, Green 'N' Gold (4.15) bids to give weight to all bar one of her rivals in the Racing Post Handicap Hurdle.
It's a "hands and heels" affair for amateur and conditional riders, so there'll be no use of the whip allowed at any stage during the two-and-a-half-mile race.
In any case, Green 'N' Gold has never been one to respond particularly well to the stick. She's far better suited to kid glove treatment.
At Plumpton, Quartier Latin (2.10) makes stacks of appeal in the opening Printing Novices Hurdle.
Christian Von Der Recke's German raider, a 12-furlong Listed winner on the level in his own country, has made the frame on both tries over hurdles at slightly shorter distances.
This afternoon's step up in distance should be in Quartier Latin's favour, and the five-year-old son of Woodman will also relish the testing surface.
Following his success at Huntingdon last Thursday, Misbehaviour (4.55) is whipped out again to take part in the closing Messaging Services Handicap Hurdle.
Trained only a few miles up the road by Jim Best at Lewes, Misbehaviour has been a model of consistency this term, not once finishing out of the first three.
Naturally there's always the possibility his recent exertions will have taken their toll, so if he drifts in the betting, leave well alone.
Backing odds-on shots has never been my bag, but defeat seems out of the question for the certain red-hot favourite, Soapy Danger, in Wolverhampton's Gaming Maiden Stakes. The occasional absurdity of horse racing has rarely been summed up more succinctly than seeing this $270,000 purchase having to run in what is essentially an egg-and-spoon event.
Soapy Danger was denied only by the width of a fag paper on his track and trip debut ten days ago, an unexpected reverse not likely to be repeated against some by and large modest opponents.
* Francois Doumen played down fears over the well-being of his string as he dominated proceedings at Sandown Park, highlighted by a one-two in the £100,000 Racing Post Chase.
Punters who ignored the Frenchman's warnings over recent bad weather affecting the fitness of his horses were cheering as Innox ran out a two-and-a-half-length victor over stablemate L'Ami.
The 8-1 winner led at the Pond Fence three out in the hands of champion jockey Tony McCoy and sealed success with a huge jump at the last that almost saw him land too steeply.
He was chased home by top-weight L'Ami, who ran a fine trial for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup as he stayed on under Arnaud Duchene.
Schuh Shine and Ballycassidy helped ensure the race was run at a decent gallop and the latter was still in front when Innox took control.
There was a dramatic moment at the last where Risk Accessor - staying-on in fifth - crashed out through the wing giving his rider Noel Fehily a nasty scare.
Horse and jockey were quickly on their feet, however.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article