The 1.35 at Ayr is a most interesting 16 runner novices hurdle for a number of reasons. Firstly, it features probably the worst horse Rich Ricci has ever purchased, Wilhelm Vonvenster (no relation to Boris Fenster). In a bumper and 2 runs over hurdles he has shown nothing, nada, zilch, diddly-squat. Secondly, as LordGyllene points out above, Mrs Fitri Hay's famous colours will be carried by the High Chaparral gelding Order Of Thistle, who won his bumper at Sedgefield in good style from the admirable, penalty-carrying Dalkingstown. Big chance. Thirdly, Martin Keighly sends Witness Protection all the way from Gloucestershire, which ought to be a tip in itself. Fourthly, old boy Ryan Mania is back in the saddle after 5 years away and wouldn't it be lovely with a capital L if he could come back with a winner on the card? Sandy Thomson now trains Largy Perk (lovely name for a gelding) after he ran in a couple of bumpers for the Crawford yard.
A sentimental e/w on Largy Perk 25/1