Opening day of the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr today. The going is Good to Soft and Good in places. Showers are forecast for the early afternoon with a drying wind throughout the day.

We are going to briefly look at one race:

 2.40 Ayr

 A wide open 2m Class 3 handicap hurdle in which Azzuri looks to be a vulnerable favourite as he makes his handicapping debut.

Although ‘thrown-in’ on last season’s form, he has run way below that level in three starts this season. The latest run saw him well held by the winner in a fairly modest novice hurdle at Wincanton.

Outsider of the field with some books is Captain Brown at around 9/1. He was 3rd in this race last year and is expected to go well running off the same mark.

Nothing can be completely ruled out. I go 5/1 the field.

 

 

I have recently spent some time in readiness for the forthcoming summer campaign. Always good to meet up with contacts and see their preparations first hand. Get your free info pack and qualify for special summer rates at: www.slh.co.uk