Millar's Method: Return to Ayr can see three-time course specialist strike

If a short-priced play isn't your idea of a good bet, especially on a competitive day of racing, make sure you have a second look at Ross Millar's selections.

2.25 Wetherby, 2m Listed Mares’ Hurdle

Molly Ollys Wishes was a hugely impressive winner of this race last year against a deeper field and she’s a short-priced favourite to repeat that win. However, her last three starts have come over much longer trips and the drop back to two miles may not suit. 

Second-favourite Martello Sky is an admirable mare, but she’s more effective over further on softer ground and it may be that this race brings her forward for a future target.

Alan King’s Nina The Terrier receives weight from the top two in the market and, while her official rating leaves her with a bit to find, I’m optimistic that she’s capable of taking another step forward this season.

She arrives here with the advantage of race fitness after finishing second on her seasonal return at Chepstow. Nina The Terrier got within three lengths of rapid improver Sonigino, who has since franked the form by winning in effortless fashion off a 4lb higher mark. He looks highly likely to be rated around 130 when reassessed by the handicapper.

In hindsight, Nina The Terrier had a stiff task conceding 12lb to Paul Nicholls’ runner and she can bounce back by upsetting the two more fancied rivals in this contest.

Selection: Nina The Terrier (2.25 Wetherby) @ 5.5

3.08 Ayr, 2m4½f Marine And Lawn Handicap Chase

Marown looked like a young chaser to follow two seasons ago as he put together a collection of smart performances, which included victories at Ayr and Wetherby and a couple of runner-up finishes at Haydock. 

He failed to trouble the judge in three starts last season, but it’s not all bad news as the handicapper has shown him some respite by dropping his mark from a high of 140 to just 128.

Three of Marown's five career wins have come at Ayr and Brian Hughes is a positive jockey booking. The going is currently good-to-soft, but he should get his preferred soft ground with plenty of rain forecast for Friday and Saturday.

He comes with risks attached, but I’m hopeful this smart horse can get his chasing career back on track. Don’t forget that Nicky Richards has started the season in fine form with four winners from his last 13 runners.

Selection: Marown (3.08 Ayr) @ 6.8

Saturday’s Recommended bets

Nina The Terrier (2.25 Wetherby) @ 5.5
Marown (3.08 Ayr) @ 6.8