Ayr each-way tip (1555): Shoeshine Boy can polish off rivals in stiff stamina test
Ayr racecourse
The heavy conditions are sure to challenge the 13 starters for this handicap hurdle, and we look set for a wide-open stamina test over an extended three miles.
15:55 Ayr: Virgin Bet DailyPrice Boosts Handicap Hurdle (3 miles 70 yards)
Lady In The Park and Cream Of The West are the only two last-time-out winners among the 13 starters, so it’s no surprise to see them among the market leaders on their first appearance since those pre-Christmas successes.
Currently splitting them in the betting is the very capable top-weighted Teescomponentstrig, who was runner up in both of his outings in similar conditions either side of Christmas, and is expected to go well again in first-time blinkers under regular jockey Brian Hughes.
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With four places widely available, there is room for one or more of the capable larger-priced contenders to stake a claim for the minor places, with Enemy At The Gate knocking on the door of a maiden win after five straight frame finishes.
Of even more interest, however, is accomplished eight-year-old, Shoeshine Boy, who is the only starter with a course-distance win under his belt, and who will be looking to bounce back from an uncharacteristically sub-par showing at Haydock in late December.
Prior to that, the Donald Whillans-trained gelding had backed up a win over a similar trip at Carlisle last April with three straight runner-up spots either side of a six-month summer-break.
It’s worth pointing out that both of his career wins and six of his nine runner-up spots have come under the guidance of Craig Nichol, who returns to the saddle here after missing that disappointing effort at Haydock last time out.
A first-time tongue strap should help any perceived issues from that last run, while being eased two pounds in the handicap can only help Shoeshine Boy’s cause further, and he looks decent each-way value odds of at 7/1 or higher.
Suggested best bet: Shoeshine Boy each-way in the 15:55 at Ayr
