May 20 / 16.12 Ayr

16.12

Good To Firm

Birra Poretti Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 7f 50y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
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Birra Poretti Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 221112 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row at Southwell (1m, AW) earlier this year and solid second there (1m) a fortnight ago; he won here in 2024 and holds strong claims if transferring his fine recent form back to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(3)

14th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

19:50 Thirsk

Roaring Ralph

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Five wins this year (7f-1m) have come at a cost mark-wise and has to bounce back from below-par run at York three weeks ago (jockey said he ran flat).

12/1

15/2

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 246585 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Beaten 13 times since last win at Newcastle (7f, AW) last September but close fifth of seven at Ayr (1m, good to firm) recently and he may appreciate the return to 7f; his mark continues to fall and he might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(1)

25th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

16:15 Musselburgh

Novak

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Gained last five wins on AW but has proved consistent in Scotland since returned to turf; finished 1l second at Ayr (7f) most recently; reasonably solid contender in current form.

7/1

2nd

5

(11)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

14:45 Ayr

Novak

9st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Hasn't won on turf for more than three years but he's run plenty of good races this season including when runner-up over C&D (good to firm) in May and close third at Hamilton (6f, good to soft) in June; hasn't made an impact in last two runs but this drop back in trip is a positive and he's in the mix.

13/2

4th

5

(2)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

15:45 Ayr

Novak

10st 0lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Tough, consistent sort; hasn't won on turf for more than three years but plenty of decent placed runs this term, including when second over 1m here in May (good to firm) and when close third over 6f at Hamilton in June (good to soft); yet to win over 1m.

6/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 673606 CD

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
His form has been patchy since an easy win at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) last November but he's 2lb below that last winning mark and his form figures at Ayr read 3112, so it will be no surprise if he's in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(6)

31st Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

14:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Muqdad

10st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: David O’Meara

Operating below last year's peak form but posted sound effort when third at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last week and remains on same mark as for emphatic C&D success in November; no surprise if he features.

5/1

3rd

4

(4)

23rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:15 Doncaster

Al Muqdad

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David O’Meara

Went close over C&D (good to firm) last month and 1m seemed to stretch him back here since (all wins at 7f, including here); his last success came off this mark; likely to be on the premises under Rodriguez.

5/1

5th

4

(8)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

14:35 Doncaster

Al Muqdad

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Returned from a break with good third at Ayr (7f, good to firm) in May and he went very close here (7f, good to firm) last Friday; he's done all of his winning at 7f but can be in the mix if the return to 1m isn't an issue.

9/2

Form: 57-926

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent sort who was soundly beaten at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last time and his losing run continues; however, he kept on well for second at Pontefract (6f, good) two starts ago and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

17:20 Hamilton

Valentine Catcher

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

No threat to the easy winner but his staying-on second at Carlisle three weeks ago was still a fair effort; conditions shouldn't be an issue but others appeal more for win purposes.

8/1

2nd

9

(7)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

16:15 Carlisle

Valentine Catcher

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Placed twice off higher marks this spring, latterly when third over nearly 7f here (good) in May; safely held twice since, though, (7f/1m) and reverts to sprinting with a bit to prove.

33/1

7th

9

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

14:35 Doncaster

Valentine Catcher

9st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Soundly beaten at Redcar (7f, good) a fortnight ago, so his losing run continues, but he was in good heart previously and kept on well when making the frame at Ayr (7f, good to firm) and Carlisle (7f, good); this first crack at 1m is worth a go and he's not ruled out each-way.

33/1

Form: 5705-6 CD

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Went off the boil towards the end of last season and also below his best on last month's reappearance at Musselburgh, taking his losing sequence to 15; however, this two-time C&D winner may have needed that latest outing and he's well handicapped on last year's best course form; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(8)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 6

19:20 Hamilton

Kelpie Grey

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Hat-trick of wins in 2024 (7f/1m); not scored since, and mainly out of form this year; handles these conditions and really well treated at present, but needs to bounce back.

7/1

11th

4

(2)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

14:45 Ayr

Kelpie Grey

9st 13lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Dual C&D winner but his last success was in May 2024 and he's not finished closer than fifth in his seven runs this season; needs to find more back up in trip.

15/2

8th

4

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Ayr

Kelpie Grey

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Winless since 7f success here in May 2024 and has yet to find his true form this year (beaten favourite three times; behind Mr Cool here last time) but he ran well on occasions in better 6f races than this in 2025 and won't mind what the weather does; quite well treated now and a revival could be imminent.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 064725

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent and soundly beaten back on turf at Doncaster this month; however, this two-time turf winner was runner-up at Kempton (7f, AW) two starts ago and is not discounted off a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 60y

Class 5

19:15 Brighton

Mr Cool

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Charlie Johnston

Had a busy year but holding his form well and won by the skin of his teeth at Redcar ten days ago (6f, good); hasn't raced over this sharp a trip since the beginning of his career.

3/1

1st

6

(11)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:00 Redcar

Mr Cool

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Charlie Johnston

Ended a losing sequence at Ayr (6f) in July and backed it up with a solid third of 13 in another 6f handicap there two weeks ago; enters calculations again.

5/1

3rd

1

(8)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Ayr

Mr Cool

10st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

All turf runs on good or quicker ground; has had a busy year with some mixed results but he's taken a healthy drop in the weights and nearly nicked a Carlisle race in July; returned to that level when imposing himself on a C&D race 12 days ago and, back up 4lb, should have a big say.

3/1

33/1

Form: 52-907

Last run: 105 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at Newcastle (1m, AW) in December on second stable start and she's also effective on turf; however, she was down the field at Newcastle (1m/1m2f, AW) on her last three starts and returns from a break today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

20:39 Carlisle

Maui Breeze

9st 11lb

J: Paula Muir

T: Wilf Storey

Southwell maiden (6f, AW) winner in late 2024 but she hasn't placed in five turf handicaps and latest fifth of 11 at Pontefract (6f, good; Invincible Ruby third) will need improving on; career-low mark, though.

20/1

5th

5

(7)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:05 Pontefract

Maui Breeze

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Wilf Storey

Far from solid on her 7f-1m2f form for current stable but this drop back to 6f is an angle in with her; recorded sole success at trip, albeit in an ordinary AW maiden.

11/1

11/2

Form: 023-44 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
His two wins last August/September (including here) came over 1m2f but he travelled well when fourth over 1m1f here (good to firm) on his recent return to action, when short of room close home, and he may have versatility in terms of trip; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(3)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

Royal Blaze

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ewan Whillans

In-form 5yo who won twice over C&D last month (good/good to firm); probably doesn't have much margin for error after latest 4lb rise but ought to be on the premises again.

4/1

1st

1

(9)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:20 Ayr

Royal Blaze

9st 9lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Triple turf winner who made it 2-2 over C&D when bouncing back with a comfortable success (good) three weeks ago; remains feasibly treated off only 3lb higher and he won't mind if the forecast rain arrives; key player.

4/1

1st

7

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Royal Blaze

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ewan Whillans

Needs to rebound from a substandard AW run ten days ago but made the frame on two of three turf starts in the spring (both times over 1m1f) and this longer trip probably suits better; can't be ignored off current mark.

12/1

33/1

Form: 32438-

Last run: 225 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
4yo who has shown ability and has edged down the weights, but she wasn't at the top of her game on her final three runs last season and remains a maiden after ten starts; others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(11)

24th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

16:45 Musselburgh

Elizabeth Bay

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Katie Scott

Maiden who's gone sharply the wrong way for this yard, running poorly in three starts this season; didn't look to see out 1m2f (soft) two months ago and this is easier again but she's hard to recommend.

33/1

9th

4

(3)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Ayr

Elizabeth Bay

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Katie Scott

12-race maiden who ended last season on a low note and was also well beaten on first two outings this year (7f/1m); moves up in trip with a lot to prove.

33/1

10th

11

(9)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Elizabeth Bay

8st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Katie Scott

Finished close up in 7f events on the AW for previous trainer but two handicap runs either side of a break were disappointing and her stamina will be under pressure back on this track.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £32.20
Straight Forecast £53.58
Tricast £239.10
Trifecta £156.10

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Kelpie Grey

SPOTLIGHT:

Royal Blaze

The Times:

Al Muqdad

The Star:

Maui Breeze

The Sun:

Novak

The Guardian:

Royal Blaze

TOPSPEED:

Kelpie Grey

POSTDATA:

Kelpie Grey

Telegraph:

Kelpie Grey

Daily Mail:

Kelpie Grey

Daily Mirror:

Kelpie Grey

Daily Record:

Kelpie Grey

D Express:

Al Muqdad