I am giving the early races at Newbury a swerve this afternoon and instead we start off at Ayr in the 1.45pm, a 15 runner handicap hurdle – I must be mad!
Secret Force heads the early markets for Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell and I can fully understand why.
A lightly raced four-year-old who won on the Flat at Listowel and over hurdles at Punchestown, it is his fourth in the Scottish Triumph Hurdle last time out that caught my eye, beaten less than four lengths at the line when keeping on well after being left with plenty to do.
Connections add a tongue-tie and cheekpieces here for this handicap where a mark of 124 seems pretty fair to me.
Daily Sport Recommended Bet 1pt Win Secret Force 1.45pm Ayr 3/2 Betfred, Boylesports, and Betway