Midweek Tipping - Ayr Races - Wednesday 25th May

Northern based trainer Jim Goldie, is a very shrewd individual, and I expect him to have his placings up to scratch with the veteran OH LANDINO, when running in the 4.55 at Ayr on Wednesday. The race is over 1mile 7furlongs, and will be a true test of stamina, especially with more rain predicted to come. Oh Landino is still a maiden after sixteen efforts, but showed great promise during his last three efforts. The gelding finished third over a 3 mile hurdle, before reverting back to the flat and finishing second behind the reliable favourite Oddsmaker. The trainer won the race last year, and he should see the trip out well. The only serious threat looks to be Trojan Gift, who has got better with every runner this year, but is saddled with top weight, and is giving a stone to Oh Landino.

The most in form partnership in the business is the champion jockey riding for his boss Richard Fahey, and they have a fantastic chance of continuing this trend with their runner in the two year old maiden race with HOLY ROMAN WARRIOR. The finely bred colt is a son of Holy Roman Emperor, the former champion two year old for Ballydoyle. The trainer has an amazing strike rate, especially this year, with 12 winners from 35 runners, as well as 9 placings. His breeding and the stable form should be enough to win a relatively poor maiden. The champion jockey is booked, and there is no man better at the moment than Paul Hanagan!

STRIKE UP THE BAND is a long standing servant for trainer David Nicholls and the eight year old will be looking to build on his career that has been frustrating with only 4 wins from 53 starts over the turf. He looked backed to his scintillating best when finishing second on his seasonable beau, finishing a respectable second to Le Toreador last time out at Thirsk. Back in tenth that day Dickie Le Davoir has gone and won a strong handicap at Haydock, which further enhances the form. Son Adrian is booked to ride, and rode it three times in 2005 when the horse started out as a two year old, and hopefully the absence will be filled with another victory to make it 5 from 54 career starts.

2.10 Ayr – Holy Roman Warrior (NAP)

3.15 Ayr – Strike Up the Band (Ew)

4.55 Ayr – Oh Landino (NB)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner