16:30 Ayr
This is quite a nice looking Class 3 handicap, being run over a mile in soft conditions.
Sophie P is the top rated horse in the race and she is rated a full 13 pounds of the next runner. That means she will be giving plenty of weight away to the rest of the field, but she was an excellent winner of a similar race last time out and the extra six pounds that she carries today may not be enough to stop her. That race was also in soft conditions which she appears to relish so I would expect her to run to a similar level here today.
Royal Regent, trainer by Lucy Normile, has been in extremely consistent form this summer. From his last six races he has been placed in five and was a winner in the other one. He win came over nine furlongs, whilst the rest were over ten furlongs, so it may be that he will be effective over a mile. He has had three races on soft going and won them all, which includes over course and distance. He is now eight pounds heavier than for his last win, therefore, he will need to be right at the top of his game for this one.
Ce La Vie is a lightly raced three-year-old trained by Keith Daligleish, having had just the four runs so far. She was a winner first time out in soft conditions over seven furlongs at Catterick, before racing in a Group 3 at Naas and then contesting the 1,000 Guineas in May, where she finished second last. She contested a handicap at Doncaster last time out in heavy conditions and the drop in class here today should see her being competitive. She has also been lowered two pounds in the handicap which is an added bonus.
Strong Steps won over course and distance in July on good to soft going. He has found it tough going since when upped in class and carrying more weight, and he will have to run a career best to get involved in this one I think.
Today's selection
Ce La Vie - 1 point @ 6/1