There’s been heavy rain and then some across all parts of the kingdom of late so it’s with fingers firmly crossed that we hope Ayr’s flat meet for Monday, July 24th survives. Others haven’t been quite so lucky over the last few days.

It’s a six-race card, five handicaps and a maiden, with Danny Tudhope and Paul Mulrennan among the top jocks in action. Competitive fare, with one experienced, doughty campaigner taking my eye .. 

Chookie Dunedin is eight years young, and has just joined the R Mike Smith yard from that of Keith Dalgleish. He runs off a mark of 63 but has scored off 80 in the past.

I believe this is his first-ever foray into Class 6 company, and he’s no stranger to today’s trip of 6f – or 5f, 7f, or a mile for that matter. This versatility will stand him in great stead if, as seems almost certain, the ground is on the testing side. An ability to draw upon extra stamina reserves close home could make all the difference.

Form-wise he’s been knocking on the door, and slipping down the weights. 63 is his lowest spot yet, but it’s not as if he’s running badly – just finding it hard to get his head in front again.

In a Class 4 Musselburgh sprint last time (5f) he was beaten just 2l, running on, and the handicapper for me has given him a real chance here. He’s performed creditably on soft ground previously and is a course-and-distance scorer. Betfred are paying four places each-way for this contest so my advice would be to take advantage of that.

For me the horse is attractively priced for an each-way play, giving us a decent shot at first but still securing a little profit if he can get into the places. It’s great to see these warriors continue to do their thing – not something that’s particularly common on the flat.

He’s a seasoned handicapper that’s done connections proud over the years, and I hope there are a few more hurrahs in the grand old fella yet – starting Monday afternoon.