MIND THE BHEARNA
LIOSDUIN BHEARNA (4.25) is the headline bet on Ayr’s hugely competitive February Finale Raceday.
Fergal O’Brien’s gelding looks a useful recruit to hurdling and caught the eye when chasing home the talented Samburu Shujaa at Chepstow.
That was a red-hot novice contest and the six-year-old can make a winning handicap debut for his shrewd handler back over 2m 4f.
Richard Johnson and Gordon Elliott can land a trappy opener with WESTERN HONOUR (1.50). The seven-year-old was a fair sixth to Midnight Stroll in a warm Cork handicap last month and can build on that effort back in novice company.
The Meath Maestro can double-up in the closing pro-am bumper with ARION SKY (5.00). The mare produced a clear personal best when bolting up here last month and can follow up thanks to Patrick Vaughan’s 5lb claim.
Mike Smith likes a winner at his local venue and he can strike with GO GUARANTOR (2.20).
The gelding was developing into a useful hurdler for Andy Oliver in Ireland and his skilled new handler can eke out plenty more improvement.
Neil Alexander has a strong hand in the three-miler and can claim prize with CRAIGANBOY (2.50). The 10-year-old has a cracking record here and he remains well-treated over timber after giving the classy Ask Ben most resistance over course and distance.
RIO QUINTO (3.20) will take all the beating in the feature novice chase for Olly Murphy. The six-year-old jumped well when slamming promising rivals on his fencing bow at Ling field and can follow up.
SQUARE VIVIANI (3.55) can pay for a few rounds by landing the Tennent’s Handicap Chase. Mickey Hammond’s gelding benefited from wind surgery when a respectable third to Dartford Warbler at Market Rasen and will be suited by this drop in trip.
Oliver Sherwood is hitting form and he can add to his tally with VERSIFIER (2.0) at Plumpton. The mare hit stride over timber and is open to progress after narrow defeat by Premier Rose at Leicester.
CLONDAW BISTO (4.05) is a value bet in a tight-looking amateurs’ handicap chase.