Gordon Brown – Race Reporter
Gordon has a wealth of experience of racing through his background in the written and broadcast media. His current principle role is reporting and supporting the scene in Scotland on Racing TV and relaying the latest news with Scottish angles.
NICK ALEXANDER is hoping for more of the same at Ayr on Saturday as he bids to repeat the treble he saddled at the corresponding fixture last year.
As Scotland’s premier venue opens its jumps campaign for the season, the Kinneston handler is represented by top-weight Wakool in the Bet With Tattersalls Bookmakers On Course Handicap Hurdle.
“He won the race last year but he is 8lbshigher this time and is giving weight away all round,” Alexander said. “He does have the benefit of a run on the Flat at York three weeks ago and he loves Ayr, he’s been there four times and has won twice and been second and third on the other occasions.”
Opposition to to Wakool includes Aramax, the 2020 Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle hero, and Nicky Richards’ pair Ginger Flame and Caius Marcius.
Ginger Mail, another top-weight for Alexander, is also trying to win the Burton Roofing Merchants Handicap Hurdle for the second year running.
“He is 4lbs higher this time and also has a big weight but I couldn’t be happier with his preparation so he ought to run well,” Alexander said.
Stuart Coltherd is another trainer double-handed, in his case in the Bet With Rails Bookmakers On Course Handicap Chase with Grand Voyage and Hidden Commander.
Sean Bowen, currently 34 winners clear at the top of the jockeys’ championship table, has seven booked rides starting off with Indeevar Bleu in the Argyll Bar Paisley EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle.