Nap of the Day: Jeddaal to hit new heights at Ayr

Wise Approach's dramatic triumph in the Middle Park at Newmarket on Saturday marked a satisfying end to a frustrating week - as did 2/1 and 11/2 winners in my Saturday column.

That's the sort of form I'm hoping to bring into the new week, starting on Tuesday as we go up to Ayr for the Nap of the Day.

If proving as effective over a shorter trip, JEDDAAL ought to take all the beating at Ayr on Tuesday.

Ed Walker's two-year-old son of Lope De Vega travels north of the border for this six-furlong maiden on the back of four runs without a win, but it's fair to say he's been keeping some good company.

The Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum-owned colt debuted in a classy contest over seven furlongs at York back in June, finishing nine lengths behind Karl Burke's Hankenlow, runner-up in the Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes at the St Leger Festival at Doncaster on his subsequent start, in sixth of seven.

A month later, Jeddaal went to Beverley and put in a much-improved performance, going down to Charlie Johnston's Ancient Egypt, a 1.1m guineas buy for Amo Racing who earned a rating of 94 prior to his run in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket at the weekend, by just under a length.

He was runner-up again at Chepstow the following month, to Queen Tamara for Harry Charlton. That filly was just touched off in a handicap at HQ the other day off an opening mark of 79, so once again the form is decent.

Last time out, at the Betfred St Leger Festival, the selection caught my eye in finishing fourth behind ownermate Wechaad - who's been raised 10lbs by the handicapper - in a nursery on a mark of 80.

He got off to a bad start under jockey Tom Marquand, ducking right out of the stalls and finding himself a the very back of the pack early on. He made good headway during the middle part of the race and once push came to shove, he found generously - but it was too little, too late.

I'm surprised, pleasantly, that he was dropped a pound for that. I would have loved for connections to try another handicap, for I think he's got a good bit in hand, but a winnable maiden will do just nicely.

As the betting suggests, Cosmic Man and Starmade for Kevin Ryan and Ed Dunlop respectively look the main dangers.

The former improved beyond recognition from his debut at Thirsk to finishing an eye-catching fourth in a Class 3 at Carlisle on the first day of the month - although that form isn't the strongest - and he should take another step forward. Will it be enough, though? Not for me.

Starmade was a €110k breeze-up buy who showed enough on his debut at Pontefract just under a fortnight ago to suggest he too can take a significant step forward.

That being said, I think Jeddaal is a cut above him and the rest of Tuesday's rivals if, as I wrote earlier, coping with the drop to six furlongs.

I must admit, he looks a mile-plus horse to me, but encouragement is taken from his run in South East Wales two starts ago. He looked speedy enough to me that day.

I expect Paul Mulrennan to keep it simple at Ayr on Tuesday and send his mount off in front for a game of catch me if you can (what a film by the way...). Hopefully he doesn't see another rival.

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