Uncle Alastair a relatively safe prospect at Ayr

Richards’ useful performer has only one black mark from four starts

Nicky Richards’ UNCLE ALASTAIR can continue his bright start in the Racing UK Novices’ Hurdle at Ayr.

The course and distance winner’s only defeat so far came when falling on his hurdle debut.

Uncle Alastair looks a useful prospect and has a big chance to add to his impressive line of form in the sevenhorse race.

THE CLOCK I STICKING can mark himself as a true festival contender with victory in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle at Ascot.

The five-year-old has made quite a splash in two hurdles starts so far this year, cruising to a 32-length success on his debut at Fakenham before following up by 10 lengths at Huntingdon.

While that first race was nothing to write home about, his second victory saw him account for the well-regarded Cause Toujours despite having to shoulder a winner’s penalty.

He travelled supremely well with the minimum of fuss that day and if he was housed in one of the bigger yards rather than Stuart Edmunds’ eminently capable team, he would likely be a bit more prominent the antepost betting for the festival.

Any pretensions FINIAN’S OSCAR had of running in the Arkle in March were blown out of the water when he was beaten out of sight by real two milers at Sandown last time out.

Nevertheless, he still has the potential to go right to the top over fences and steps back up in trip for the Mitie Noel Novices’ Chase.

He was beaten so early at Sandown that there was probably something wrong with him that day but for him to be out so soon he has obviously shown Colin Tizzard that he is ready to go again.

While he may only face two rivals, both Benatar and Dolos have already shown enough to prove they will be no pushovers.

SELECTIONS:

ASCOT: 12.45 Settie Hill, 1.20 Divine Spear ,1.55 THE CLOCK I STICKING ,2.30 Finian’s Oscar ,3.05 Sky Pirate, 3.40 Strong Glance.

AYR: 11.55 Cool Mix, 12.30 Arctic Vodka, 1.05 Nakadam, 1.40 Uncle Alastair, 2.15 Progress Drive, 2.50 Charmant, 3.25 Bullion.

DOUBLE: The clock is tic king and Uncle Alastair.