Ayr Friday with Shoeshine Boy

Ayr 19th April : 2.20 pm 3m ½f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)

17 runners and an advance going description of soft and well, Shoeshine Boy is going to need everything in his favour for this ultra competitive staying handicap hurdle. He's a dual course & distance winner but did find things tough last time in a Class 2 handicap at Haydock although by no means disgraced in finishing 5th.
He's been on the go since October as well, so there's always the thought that he may be 'over the top' at the back of our mind but let's have a go anyway.

Last two weeks of the NH Season, so in addition to Nicholls running every horse in his yard, WP and Skelton have joined in the fray too in the battle for top honours in the trainers championship. Bit of a let off here though, as only Skelton has a runner but his Catch Him Derry is the clear standout in form. Up in class but progressive and only raised 5lb for an impressive win a couple of starts ago. Finishing clear of the 3rd horse when beaten by his stablemate Gwennie May Boy last time and that conqueror has won twice (& 100 large) since.
Looks like the one to beat.

Still, Mouse and and his cohorts will enjoy a day at the Scottish National Festival and Craig Nichol rides.