Step back up in trip could suit Cheltenham third Masaccio at Ayr on Saturday

Doubtless, Alan will turn the clock back 12 years on Saturday morning and reflect how Godsmejudge won the Scottish Grand National at Ayr, just a few miles from where he was born in World Cup year, 1966.

Sadly, Barbury are not represented in Scotland’s most important steeplechase this year, but Alan still hopes to have reason to celebrate after one of the supporting races as we have likely favourite Masaccio running in the novices handicap chase.

Masaccio did best of our quartet who ran at last month’s Cheltenham Festival when finishing an excellent third in the two and a half mile handicap chase, and Alan feels that going back up to three miles here will suit him.

He said:”Like a few others at Cheltenham, Masaccio did not get off to the best of starts, but he ran a very solid race and I hope that he’ll again be competitive. He is now off a mark only 2lb higher, but the way he finished off his race from the home turn suggests that going back up in trip might be the right way to go, My only worry would be the track, which could be on the sharp side for him.”

Our only other Saturday runner is Lola Moon, for whom Hollie Doyle has been booked for the gelding’s debut in the Dubai Duty Free Maiden at Newbury. Alan added:”Lola Moon is owned and bred by the Apple Tree Stud, and though he will improve for the experience, he has being showing plenty on the gallops at home.”