Barry Hills and Robert Winston take two to Ayr today, both two-year-olds. Fine Threads and Red Marling, are expected to pay for the 'million miles' trip from Lambourn, by landing the first two races. Fine Threads is a particularly useful prospect and was well-backed on debut at Warwick in a similar race earlier this month. After having every chance under Robert Winston, this Barathea filly flattened in the losing stages and was beaten just over a length, in half-decent time. To all intents and purposes, this looks a penalty kick without a goalie and expect Winston to kick on, before partnering Red Marling in a six furlongs nursery which looks winnable.
Red Marling is no great shakes, bit of a disappointment really but he's been working much better since his last run earlier this month. A positive is Winston because the Danehill Dancer colt achieved his best time-handicap mark, under Robert at Ffos Las. A solid each-way bet and so is Whisper Louise in the twelve-runner, listed Fillies' Stakes over the famous Newmarket Rowley Mile.
Whisper Louise has improved for distance, twice hitting creditable marks, on grade one tracks over seven furlongs and Peterborough trainer, Pam Sly is looking forward to this 25 grand race. Obvious TH danger is twice-raced Nabah but she is trained by Clive Brittain who just can't be taken seriously, even though he does bring off the occasional surprise. When Clive wins punters can afford to lose. Final leg of the yankee (three trebles and an accumulator) is Strictly Pink, in the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of Wolverhampton polytrack. No slips up please, Paul Hanagan!
SELECTIONS
RACE 3 (#6) FINE THREADS
RACE 8 (#3) RED MARLING (e.w.)
RACE 17 (#12) WHISPER LOUISE (nap e.w.)
RACE 39 (#8) STRICTLY PINK