Ticker’s in good heart for Team Whillans at Ayr
who was a smooth scorer in the opening two-mile chase under Adrian Heskin.
Keatley said: “He was my last winner when I was based in Ireland and he’s my first from the yard we now operate from in Yorkshire.
“The form of his win at Leopardstown is strong and there may be a race at Newbury for him next.”
Mea nwh i l e , B r i a n Hughes completed a shortpriced double on The Con Man and Marown.
The Con Man has made rapid headway for Donald McCain over hurdles and he fairly romped away with The Craigie Cup.
Marown easily followed up January’s course and distance success in the novices’ hurdle and could be set for a step up in class at Aintree next month.