Read on for a preview of and tips for the Ayr card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.

We begin with a mares’ maiden hurdle run over two miles (1.13pm). Dan Skelton’s Coolkatie was running a good race when falling last time out at Warwick, so she makes plenty of appeal with a better round of jumping.

Gordon Elliott sends Apples Jane into the mix from Ireland, who will probably find this company easier than the larger sized maiden fields she knows at home. Ruth Jefferson has been seeing some good results lately, and her bumper winner Sagonige could be in the mix too. 

Race two is a handicap hurdle run over two and a half miles (1.43pm). El Jefe and Saracen Beau both placed on their latest starts, with the former looking the most likely to maintain or improve that form with a claiming rider on board.

Eloi Du Puy is interesting in first-time cheekpieces, now down three pounds and stepping back down in trip. Kool Raoul should be on a workable mark too and has a 10-pound claimer riding. 

Next is a three-mile novices’ chase (2.13pm), which has attracted a small but classy field. Jamie Snowden’s Wendigo leads the charge, topping the ratings by 12 pounds, having run well in the Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day.

He gives the other two runners, Donny Boy and Maximilian, six pounds but – rated so highly above them – he ought to outclass them still.

The fourth race is a two-mile novices’ hurdle (2.43pm). This is a hot race, with four last-start winners in the field; Cavalier du Luy, Irandando Has, Sanilam and Stede Bonnet.

We also have two Irish raiders; the aforementioned Stede Bonnet and point-to-point winner Irish Champ. Gordon Elliott’s form this season is hard to argue with, therefore his charge, with Sean Bowen onboard, ought to be the one to beat.

Race five is an extended three-mile handicap hurdle (3.13pm). Theme Tune is down to a tempting mark, but must take a step forward from a lacklustre run last time out at Haydock.

Canunclecani is interesting, stepping up in trip, and could be in line for a place, as could Fox’s Fancy, who is nearing a more competitive mark now. 

The penultimate race is an extended two-mile handicap chase (3.43pm). This is a warm looking race with plenty of promising recent form on show.

Coup De Coeur could run well under Brian Hughes, while Great Pepper makes some appeal back down to two miles on a new low mark. Tommy Combats, who has gone well over course and distance, should be watched out for too.

Racing comes to a close with a bumper (4.13pm). Five of the nine runners are making their Rules debuts, having done well in the point-to-point field, making this an intriguing race.

Lucinda Hughes’ Myfriendcooper might be worth an each-way punt in the hands of Brian Hughes, having won a decent point-to-point, but is unlikely to be sharp enough to win over this trip. Blue Du Neuf might be the winner under JJ Slevin. 

The action at Ayr is shown live on Racing TV, where you can also find free bets for Cheltenham.

Ayr selections – Thursday:

  • 1.13pm – Coolkatie
  • 1.43pm – Kool Raoul
  • 2.13pm – Wendigo
  • 2.43pm – Stede Bonnet
  • 3.13pm – Canunclecani
  • 3.43pm – Great Pepper, Tommy Combats e/w
  • 4.13pm – Blue De Neuf, Myfriendcooper e/w