Ayr 2:30 Result

Hickory Lad has the highest OR (99) in the field and his form figures 121383 show he's a genuine performer at this level, winning twice already and placing consistently against similar or better company. He's fresh off a decent run and has the class edge over this field. Dance A Jig (OR 96) and Mussab (OR 97) are the closest rivals - Mussab has won his last start and is improving, while Dance A Jig has good recent placed efforts for Beckett. However Hickory Lad's profile of already winning at 5f level with a top rating gives him the strongest form case. Draw 7 is workable at Ayr's 5f which doesn't heavily favour extreme low draws in soft ground sprints. Sam James riding suggests confidence. The soft ground is unproven for several in this field but Hickory Lad's trainer Phillip Makin has a knack with sprinters. Given he's top-rated and has the best recent form profile with genuine winning form at this trip, he represents a fair choice even without being an obvious market steal - his class edge should see him prove hard to beat in a competitive but not scary Listed field.