IRISH BLAZE is fancied to take his record over timber to 2-2 with a victory in the Quiz Clothing Novices’ Hurdle (2.20) at Ayr on Friday.
Having dead-heated for first place in a point-to-point at Knockmullen House in Co Wexford last November, the son of Imperial Monarch joined Gordon Elliott before making his debut under Rules at Navan in February. Irish Blaze, sent off at 9-1 in a field of 25-1, travelled with comfort before challenging at the second-last flight to beat Hemlock by a length and a quarter.
My selection still looked rough hewn in the finish and Irish Blaze’s finishing effort suggests that going up to two and a half miles will be a benefit. At Southwell, ROLFE REMBRANDT has plenty going for him in the opening Read Katie Walsh On Betway Insider Handicap (4.35).
After winning one of his first nine attempts on turf, the Michael Scudamore trainee was blinkered for his all-weather debut - also his first start for 121 days - in a five-furlong handicap at Newcastle at the start of last month. Leading from the stalls, Rolfe Rembrandt still had plenty left in reserve at the line to beat Khabib by two lengths, and should again go well under Saffie Osborne despite a 6lb rise in the weights.
Friday's tips
LEICESTER
1.00 JIFFY BOY
1.35 VENTURA RASCAL
2.10 TARATARI
2.45 WATERMELON SUGAR
3.20 NOMAN
3.55 MARCH MOON
4.25 ENCOURAGED
NEWBURY
1.20 DRAGON D’ESTRUVAL
1.55 PULL AGAIN GREEN
2.30 PATROCLUS
3.05 IRISH HILL
3.40 DARGIANNINI
4.15 SAM BARTON
4.50 ARTHUR’S SEAT
AYR
1.45 HALF TRACK
2.20 IRISH BLAZE (NAP)
2.55 SOFT RISK
3.30 FLIC OU VOYOU
4.05 GET A TONIC
4.40 LERMOOS LEGEND
5.15 SMOKEY THE BANDIT
SOUTHWELL
4.35 ROLFE REMBRANDT (NB)
5.05 DRISH HERO
5.40 CRENELLE
6.10 KAASIRR
6.40 PANGLOSS
7.10 POLITICS
7.40 DOWN TO THE KID
8.10 USTATH
