Veteran Ardera Cross chasing record tenth win over jumps at Ayr
Ardera Cross, bottom-weight in the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase, bids to move ahead on his own as the modern-day record-holder over jumps at Ayr today.
Trained by Clyde Valley permit-holder William Young, he joined The Bajan Bandit on nine course wins with his 14-1 success on January 2.
The Bajan Bandit, trained by now-retired Len Lungo, only lost once in ten visits to Ayr between November 2000 and March 2008 and his victories came in bumper, hurdling, chasing and hunter chasing company.
Thirteen-year-old Ardera Cross, set for his last campaign according to his handler, will be making his 33rd appearance at his favourite venue.
“He’s certainly not owing us anything,” said Young of the gelding, who cost a mere £1,000 out of the Dan Skelton stable in the spring of 2019. “Given his age, it will probably be his last season and I imagine the only places he will run between now and his retirement will be Ayr and Cartmel.”
Patrick Wadge, currently lying second in the race to become champion conditional, has five mounts starting off with Fiveafterfour for his boss Lucinda Russell in the Virgin Bet Conditional Jockeys’ Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.
A winning point to pointer, who cost £80,000 last April, she carries the same colours as the stable’s dual Grade 1 winner Ahoy Senor.
Meanwhile, Bernie The Bear can strike at Newcastle and claim victory in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BETMGM Apprentice Handicap.
Three times a winner last year for Richard Fahey, the gelding has been knocking on the door for new trainer Linda Perratt with a couple of placed efforts at this track.
Perratt and claimer Tommie Jakes have already teamed up to good effect with two winners this month and this looks another good chance for them to strike.
Roger Varian introduces an exciting newcomer with My Cloud in the Stay Golden With BETMGM Safer Gambling Maiden Stakes.
A €325,000 breeze-up purchase for the powerful KHK Racing camp, the son of Blue Point is a half-brother to five winners, including multiple Group One scorer Palace Pier.