Nafaath looks the one to beat at Ayr

AFTER the disappointment of Musselburgh's New Year meeting falling to the weather, Scottish racegoers gained some respite as racing at Ayr went ahead as planned with no need for a planned inspection.

However, an inspection has been called for 8am ahead of today's scheduled meeting. Clerk of the course Emma Marley said: "It's going to get to minus 3C which will be on opened up ground so it is best to look. It will be a milder day tomorrow, however, getting up to 6C."

In the big race yesterday, Jason Maguire rode 8-1 shot Sagalyrique to victory for Donald McCain snr in the Play Poker At victorchandler.com Handicap Chase. Today Howard Johnson's Nafaath should take all the beating in the Bet Live At victorchandler.com Novices' Chase. Two miles might prove to be on the sharp side in time but his class should see today's nap through.

Colin Tizzard left Cheltenham on Saturday with mixed feelings despite claiming the Tigmi Travel Dipper Novices' Chase with Hell's Bay (16-1). Unfortunately for the Dorset handler he went home with one less horse than he arrived with following the sad demise of stable stalwart Joe Lively who broke a leg in the Raceodds Handicap Chase.

Having just turned 12, Joe Lively was in the veteran stage and unfortunately he picked up the injury through no fault of his own as he was struck into by the falling Victorias Groom. The race was won by Blazing Bailey (11-1).

Tizzard said: "I had a lump in my throat watching him jump round in the National last season. He gave us some lovely highs but I have to say this game takes a bit of sticking at times."

SELECTIONS

Ayr

12.30 Vosges

1.00 Nafaath (nap)

1.35 Something Silver

2.05 Isla Pearl Fisher

2.40 Charlie Bucket

3.10 Sambelucky

3.40 Tobetall

Hereford

12.20 Charminster

12.50 Kells Belle

1.20 Golden Button

1.55 Pearlysteps (nb)

2.25 Not Talking

3.00 Salpierre

3.30 Irish Guard

4.00 Dineur

Lingfield

1.10 Pete The Feat

1.45 Raduis Bleu

2.15 Betabob

2.50 Shinrock Hill

3.20 Hobb's Dream

3.50 Just Beware

Southwell

1.05 Stolt

1.40 Tivers Song

2.10 Ace Of Spies

2.45 Elusive Fame

3.15 Exopuntia

3.45 Fifth In Line

Wolverhampton

2.00 Nicholas Pocock

2.35 Equinity

3.05 Penbryn

3.35 Camps Bay

4.05 Mrs Neat

4.35 Join Up

5.05 Kingscroft