April 11 / 14.40 Ayr

14.40

Good To Soft

Get Home Safe With Thistle Cabs Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £8449.6
  • 3m 0f 70y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Get Home Safe With Thistle Cabs Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.70

Form: -313P5 D

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo who won in good style at Wetherby (3m, good to soft) last October on his second handicap start; three lesser runs have followed but he didn't perform badly when fifth at Huntingdon (3m1f, soft) last time and today's better ground could suit; interesting with yard in fine form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:30 Huntingdon

Billy Boi Blue

11st 8lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Pulled up on consecutive appearances towards end of last season but seemed to run well until tiring on soft ground at Ayr last time; could be better suited by the less-testing conditions here; not ruled out.

25/1

6

17th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

16:43 Ayr

Billy Boi Blue

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Tailed off (fences) and pulled up (hurdles) on his last two starts; a major turnaround is necessary but he runs off the same mark as when winning this race last year; not ruled out and the betting may be interesting.

14/1

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

15:02 Doncaster

Billy Boi Blue

12st 0lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Ayr winner last April (3m, good to soft); disappointing both runs since, last time finishing well-beaten third of four back over fences; suited by good/good to soft ground.

7/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: -42114 BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won Cheltenham maiden (2m, good) in November on third hurdle start and followed up in Kelso novice (extended 2m6f, good to soft); another good run when staying on for close fourth on handicap debut at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) last month and this new trip could prompt further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Ace Of Spades

11st 6lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dan Skelton

Successful over 2m4f on reappearance here (good to soft) in October and has shown better form at around 3m since, including a win at Huntingdon (good to soft) in January; only midfield behind reopposing stablemate Supremely West in the Pertemps at Cheltenham, though.

20/1

13th

4

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Ace Of Spades

11st 1lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Won two of his four starts this term and stayed on well for second to today's Grade 1 Stayers' candidate Ma Shantou here (3m, good) on New Year's Day on penultimate start; latest was a Huntingdon win (3m1f, soft) and he's now 5lb higher but this progressive 7yo has to be taken seriously.

11/1

1st

1

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 2

15:15 Huntingdon

Ace Of Spades

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Progressive handicapper who stayed on well for second in a Class 2 at Cheltenham three weeks ago (3m, good; effective on good to soft; unraced on slower) and the winner is due to run in this weekend's Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle; every chance despite the 4lb rise.

5/4

33/1

  • Place: £6.50

Form: 6PP4-6

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
On a reduced mark and is one to watch in the betting; however, this 9yo has been lightly raced since finishing second at the Aintree Grand National meeting in 2023, and has struggled to get competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:45 Ayr

Pounding Poet

10st 12lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Close third over hurdles at this meeting 12 months ago (3m, good to soft) and won in that sphere at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last July; ran pretty well in 5l third at Newbury (2m6f, good) in December when back chasing for the first time since 2023, but this 10yo needs a bigger performance today.

25/1

3

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Pounding Poet

11st 12lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

Won with this visor back on at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in July and went close at Cartmel (3m1f, good) the following month; versatile ground-wise and can be in the mix if continuing the good work after a two-month break.

6/1

Form: -3F223 C BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced course bumper winner who has run well to be placed in handicap hurdles on his last three starts (2m5f/extended 2m6f, good to soft/soft); there's every chance this trip will be within range; each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

17th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

16:43 Ayr

I Am Max

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Sandy Thomson

Inconsistent this season and down the field at Haydock a fortnight ago; however, he ran pretty well when runner-up at Doncaster two starts ago and is 2lb lower than when a close fourth of 13 in this race last year; if he's on song in a first-time tongue-tie he might not be far away.

16/1

7th

9

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

I Am Max

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Sandy Thomson

Short-headed on his only start here; won a Hexham chase in October; hasn't done as well since, finishing runner-up to Jakar Du Moulin when returned to hurdling at Doncaster (3m) on latest start but he needs to build on that markedly; stable in good form.

16/1

2nd

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

15:02 Doncaster

I Am Max

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Won a Hexham novice handicap chase in October (2m4f); hasn't done as well since but reverts to hurdling off a feasible mark; this good ground suits and stable going well, so an interesting candidate.

10/1

Form: 331524

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Has won six times, three coming at Hexham and three at Market Rasen, the latest at the latter track in January (2m7f, good to soft); creditable efforts in defeat at Market Rasen the last twice (2m7f, good to soft); each-way chance if his good form continues on his first run here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

15:08 Newcastle

Belvedere Blast

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Several flights were omitted when winning at Market Rasen (2m7f, good; visor refitted) but consistent in the main and perhaps needs further than the 2m4f he ran over last time; not ruled out.

6/1

Form: 171130 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good to soft) latest but progressive previously, winning on handicap debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good to soft) and over this C&D (soft) before creditable third at Haydock (3m, good to soft) where he was hampered three out; contender if getting back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

20

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Chasingouttheblues

10st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Three wins (wore cheekpieces for last two) and a second from his last four starts, all over about 3m/3m1f; unraced beyond that but there's a great deal about him which suggests that he won't really come into his own until handed a major test of stamina; he receives one today and, despite the step up in class, consequently makes serious appeal.

6/1

1st

3

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

Chasingouttheblues

11st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Took well to first-time cheekpieces at Catterick, beating Paddy O'Mahler and making it two wins (3m/3m1f) from his last three starts; may improve further in the retained headgear; enters calculations.

4/1

1st

1

24th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 4

16:00 Catterick

Chasingouttheblues

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won at Wetherby (3m, soft) in December on fourth chase start and bumped into useful prospect when second at Doncaster (3m, soft) last month; won on good/good to soft over hurdles; cheekpieces go on; solid claims.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: P-5231 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
After a wind op he reverted to hurdles at Haydock (3m, good) last month and returned to form to win that five-runner handicap; 4lb higher in a tougher race today but this C&D winner (good to soft) is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

16:22 Wetherby

Imperial Merlin

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: John & Sean Quinn

Pulled up at Warwick in January last time but was in pretty good heart towards the end of last year and he's now 1lb lower than when winning at Haydock (3m, good) last March; also handles soft; capable of going well.

12/1

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

14:37 Warwick

Imperial Merlin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: John & Sean Quinn

Only 1lb higher than for his Haydock win over a similar trip last March; does have a lot of weight though and was only fifth at Haydock last time, finishing just behind Gwennie May Star.

8/1

2

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Imperial Merlin

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: John & Sean Quinn

Not well handicapped but arrives here after a 3l second of eight at Uttoxeter when tried in cheekpieces (2m7f, good); no reason why he won't be involved once more.

6/1

Form: 7F3347 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Unable to threaten the last twice (including here) and untested at today's trip, but this course winner (2m, good to soft) stayed on well for a close third here (2m4f, soft) in January and on that evidence he's well worth a go at this new distance; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Park Annonciade

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Less contested lead than often the case when making it seventh time lucky over fences at Huntingdon last month (2m, good), and Stratford second off 6lb higher since consolidated that form; up another 1lb here but pace rivalry could prove more the issue.

11/4

2nd

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

16:53 Stratford

Park Annonciade

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Sarah Humphrey

Started off for Sarah Humphrey with two disappointing hurdle runs in the autumn but has turned things around over fences since, and kept on well to win by 7l at Huntingdon (2m, good) a fortnight ago; recent 6lb rise demands more from him here, though.

9/4

1st

5

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Park Annonciade

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Sarah Humphrey

All three wins over hurdles when trained in Ireland; running well at present and second of five at Plumpton (2m1f, good to soft) last month; threatening to get his head in front for this yard.

5/1

Form: 75-431 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Point winner (3m, yielding) who got off the mark over hurdles at the third attempt in a maiden at Chepstow (extended 2m7f, good) last month; had just two rivals to beat last time and the favourite's jumping let him down, but he nevertheless has potential off his opening mark for his top stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:07 Ludlow

Histrionic

11st 9lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

Lightly raced Irish maiden point winner; off the mark over nearly 3m in a maiden hurdle at Chepstow (good) and stopped quickly on handicap debut at Ayr's big April meeting; like many from this yard, chasing should be more his game.

5/2

Form: 871729

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Has an in-and-out profile and was well beaten at Chepstow when last seen in February; however, he won at Uttoxeter (2m7f, soft) last November, and was second at Catterick (3m1f, soft) in January, and he should be fine on today's better ground if he's in the right mood; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

Form: /322P8 C

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Down the field at Kelso last month and has run well there in the past; however, Ayr seems to bring out the best in him and he twice went close over C&D (soft) in January; also effective on good to soft ground (unraced on good); not ruled out each-way now back here in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:13 Ayr

Gaillimh A Stor

11st 3lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Went close in this last year (soft) and now 10lb lower; however, this 10yo has struggled to get competitive since, most recently over C&D (soft) four weeks ago following wind surgery; a visor replaces cheekpieces.

25/1

6

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

14:40 Ayr

Gaillimh A Stor

11st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

prominent, hampered then in touch with leaders 1st, dropped to last after 6th, detached when pulled up before 7th

14/1

6

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

14:40 Ayr

Gaillimh A Stor

11st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

prominent, hampered then in touch with leaders 1st, dropped to last after 6th, detached when pulled up before 7th

14/1

Form: -351P3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Awarded the race at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in December on third hurdle start; hasn't kicked on from that but there's a suspicion he may yet be capable of better, and the step up in trip and first-time cheekpieces are possible sources of improvement for this lightly raced 3m point runner-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

3rd Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

17:00 Doncaster

De Kingpin

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

prominent, led over 3f out, headed 1f out, kept on, no match for winner

3/1

Form: -3PPU5

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Improvement is required but this lightly raced 6yo is in top hands and was disputing the lead when making a mistake at the final flight at Newbury (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago; could have more to offer; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

18th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

16:42 Bangor-on-Dee

Kintail

11st 6lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Mel Rowley

Ex-Nicky Henderson; just 1-10 over hurdles and has struggled with consistency but he ran well to finish third at Hereford (3m2f; first-time blinkers) last month; ties in with Dwight K Schrute on that form and has claims if he can back that up.

9/2

3rd

3

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Kintail

11st 6lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Mel Rowley

Ex-Nicky Henderson inmate who struggles with consistency; disappointing in his two runs for this yard but he's on a good mark should blinkers trigger something (he ran one good race when cheekpieces were tried).

12/1

10

14th Jan 2026

Good

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

14:40 Newbury

Kintail

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Proved unable to sustain early progress for previous yard but ran creditably over C&D last spring; dropped away on stable/seasonal debut, perhaps needing the run; check the market signals.

25/1

Non-runners

Theme Tune

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £69.10
Straight Forecast £52.44
Tricast £832.10
Trifecta £1081.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ace Of Spades

POSTDATA:

Histrionic

TOPSPEED:

Kintail

D Express:

Billy Boi Blue

The Sun:

Belvedere Blast

RP RATINGS:

Ace Of Spades

The Times:

Ace Of Spades

Telegraph:

Ace Of Spades

Daily Mail:

Ace Of Spades

Daily Mirror:

Kintail

The Star:

Kintail

WEST COUNTRY:

Histrionic

The Guardian:

Histrionic

Daily Record:

Histrionic