Saryshagann is one to watch as he makes his British bow at Ayr

Ayr’s 2018 Flat season gets under way today with an exciting eight-race card.

The feature race is the Conferences At Ayr Racecourse Handicap at 4.45pm over six furlongs with eight runners due to go to post.

The top weight is Saryshagann trained by David O’meara and the mount of Danny Tudhope. The five yearold is having his first run since May 2016 and also his first start in Britain having been previously trained in France. Keith Dalgleish saddles three-time course winner Dark Defender who will be ridden by Rowan Scott.

Thecelebrateatawardwinning Western House Hotel Handicap over seven furlongs at 4.10pm sees Paul Hanagan ride Kirkham for trainer Julie Camacho. Kirkham had decent form, including a win at Thirsk, at the tail end of last season.

Hanagan also partners Sugar Coating in the opening fillies’ novice stakes over six furlongs at 2.00pm. This filly has decent form having finished second in both her starts.

Royal Connoisseur has a fine chance in the Book For The Ayrshire Magazine Noughties Racenight Handicap over seven furlongs at 3.35pm

Richard Fahey’s representative has not won since October 2016, but he served notice at Musselburgh on 4 May that his time is near.

Royal Connoisseur was fourth to Sureyoutoldme in a fair seven-furlong handicap, but it was the manner in which he came home that will have pleased his trainer.

The gelded son of Art Connoisseur ran on promisingly and yet he has been relieved 1lb by the assessor. That means he is now 12lb lower than when he last visited the winner’s enclosure. And though a bit of cut in the ground would not have gone amiss, there are definitely races like this to be won with him off his current mark.

The last race is a one mile five furlong handicap for Lady Amateur Riders. Luv U Whatever, trained by Marjorie Fife and ridden by Becky Smith, could be the one to beat.

Ayr also races tomorrow with the feature the £50,000 Tennent’s British Stallion Studs EBF Rothesay Stakes.