Ramiro can strike again for Ellison

By Ashley Iveson, PA

Ramiro is backed to supplement a recent Chester success in the Virgin Bet Handicap at Ayr.

A course and distance winner in July, Brian Ellison’s charge was subsequently placed in the Racing League at Yarmouth before struggling on his next three starts.

However, two of those runs were on the all-weather and he bounced right back to form on the Roodee late last month as he devoured the heavy ground on his way to a clear-cut victory.

With conditions forecast to be similarly testing in Scotland, Ramiro should go close again despite a 3lb rise in the weights.

The Virgin Bet Novice Stakes represents a good opportunity for the Charlie Johnston-trained Peace Walk to double his tally.

The son of Cracksman was unable to land a blow in the Convivial Maiden at York in August, but the very fact that he made his debut in such a valuable contest suggests he had been showing a fair level of ability at home.

Dropped in class and encountering softer ground at Beverley next time, Peace Walk fairly bolted up over seven and a half furlongs and a marginal rise in trip to a mile will not be an issue.

One of the newcomers will have to be pretty smart to stop him following up under a penalty.

Agnes Grey can gain due reward for her consistency in the Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap.

John Quinn’s filly has been placed five times without managing to get her head in front, most recently going down by just half a length to Lockdown Lass at Chester.

If she handles this more demanding terrain, another bold bid looks assured in first-time cheek pieces.

Turquoise Diamond appears well placed to complete her hat-trick on the all-weather at Chelsmford.

Having hinted at ability earlier in the campaign, the daughter of Dubawi came good with an emphatic win at Brighton last month and did well to defy a 6lb hike on her all-weather debut at Newcastle.

She is up another 3lb ahead of her latest assignment, but creeps into the Illuminate Christmas Ball Handicap at the foot of the weights and a step up from seven furlongs to a mile may help elevate a game to another level.

Kauto The King can bounce back to form in the RGB Building Supplies Handicap Chase at Exeter.

The nine-year-old was rated as high as 132 at his peak, but a largely disappointing run of form has seen that mark fall to his current perch of just 113.

A wind operation looked to have done the trick when he won narrowly off 114 at Newton Abbot on his penultimate start, but he then took a step backwards when only fifth of sixth at Worcester.

He is clearly not easy to predict, but Kauto The King is obviously well treated on the pick of his form and does have conditions in his favour.

It will be interesting to see how Lady Adare fares on her debut over fences in the opening Roy Northall 40 Years At Worcestershirefa EBF Mares’ Novices’ Chase at Worcester.

Harry Fry’s seven-year-old looked a really smart prospect a couple of seasons ago, having won a bumper and her first three starts over hurdles.

However, the wheels came off somewhat after that and she has since undergone two wind operations in an attempt to get her back to her best.

There was plenty of encouragement to be taken from her first start in four months at Newton Abbot in August when she was beaten just half a length into third place by Clearance, while the runner-up Enthused has gone on to win twice since.

Lady Adare has plenty to find with Glimpse Of Gala on hurdles ratings, but she may have a fitness advantage and is fancied to come out on top.

Top tips for today’s UK meetings

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

EXETER: Race 1: 14.40 Coconut Splash, Race 2: 15.15 Post No Bills, Race 3: 15.50 Kauto The King, Race 4: 16.25 Newmill Getaway, Race 5: 17.00 Ten Ten Twenty, Race 6: 17.35 Dan's Chosen, Race 7: 18.10 Cabrakan.

WORCESTER: Race 1: 14.55 Lady Adare, Race 2: 15.30 Milanese Rose, Race 3: 16.05 Rickety Bridge, Race 4: 16.40 Gavin, Race 5: 17.15 Mullys Choice, Race 6: 17.50 Kooky, Race 7: 18.20 East End Girl.

AYR: Race 1: 15.10 Ayr Poet, Race 2: 15.45 Peace Walk, Race 3: 16.20 The Gay Blade, Race 4: 16.55 RAMIRO (NAP), Race 5: 17.30 Agnes Grey, Race 6: 18.05 Banner Road, Race 7: 18.40 Don't Look Back.

CHELMSFORD: Race 1: 17.25 Pretence, Race 2: 18.00 Solar Portrait, Race 3: 18.30 Turquoise Diamond, Race 4: 19.00 Hostelry, Race 5: 19.30 Alpha Zulu, Race 6: 20.00 Cloudy Breeze, Race 7: 20.30 Time Patrol, Race 8: 21.00 Next Second, Race 9: 21.30 Shalfa.

ALL TO COME: Peace Walk and Ramiro (Ayr, Races 2 and 4).

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