Ayr best bets: Duyfken can challenge favourite, Dance Thief looking to steal a place
- John Fearn
- 26 February 2024
Monday’s quiet racecard looks to be one for die-hard racing fans to enjoy, but there’s still one or two decent contests to look forward to, including this handicap hurdle from north of the border.
15:35 Ayr: Coral Handicap Hurdle (2 miles 4½ furlongs)
If odds-on favourite Eire Street is able to replicate the performance he produced to cruise home by 25 lengths at Carlisle a week ago, then his subsequent seven-pound penalty should not be enough to prevent Danny McMenamin steering him back into the winner’s circle.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Eire Street wins by more than 10 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet
That said, this is a quick turnaround over a longer, more testing trip, and the market leader’s short price opens the door for more appealing value among his six rivals, especially with some bookies offering an extra place for this seven-runner affair.
That has allowed an outsider such as Dance Thief to catch the eye of some of Tipstrr’s each-way specialists, who are prepared to forgive his last-time-out setback in favour of a couple of more encouraging runner-up spots at Carlisle and this venue in December.
Outsider punt: Dance Thief each-way in the 15:35 at Ayr
If that seems too much of a stretch, then Largy Shark, who was allowed to race too freely at Aintree last time, could be interesting fresh from a 79-day break, while our final nod goes to the promising five-year-old Duyfken.
Since breaking his duck with a tidy win at Perth last April, Nick Alexander’s charge has looked progressive this term, backing up two decent frame finishes at Kelso and Ayr before Christmas, with a tidy win at Musselburgh in early January.
Duyfken had to dig deep to see off a late challenge that day, and his most recent effort at the same venue three weeks ago was no less impressive, showing further promise to come third in a competitive 12-runner handicap.
Bruce Lynn’s three-pound claim should again work in their favour, while the first-time tongue-tie should help produce a more focused effort over a slightly longer trip.
The market certainly suggests that a bold bid is expected, with the double-digit odds that were available when markets opened on Sunday subsequently cut in half to a current best price of 9/2.
Suggested best bet: Duyfken in the 15:35 at Ayr
- Tip advised by BigOddsValue on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Ayr racing tips: Best bets for Monday February 26
