Ayr test for Hartforth....

Hartforth is our sole runner tomorrow at Ayr. Well, we're on record stating that 3 miles and soft ground was our idea of the most suitable ground for the gelding, so the egg could well and truly be on our faces tomorrow afternoon.

He's come out of the Hexham race well, and he should give his owners more thrills tomorrow.

Nodda High Kid (left) and Hartforth lead Snapping Turtle

...and 3 more at Carlisle on Sunday

Ellistrin Belle has her third outing over hurdles at Carlisle on Sunday, and we've stepped her up in trip a little as she tackles 2m 3f and a bit. As usual, in this type of novice event, there are some potentially highly rated sorts in the race, none more so than very useful bumper horse Deputy Dan. Belle will qualify for a handicap mark after this, but we'll be looking for her to gain more competitive experience here.

Bollin Julie follows up her Kelso 7th place with another outing here. Dropped 7lb by the handicapper, she is still anything but well handicapped, but she's coming on a bit at home, so may finish a bit closer on Sunday in the opening 2m handicap hurdle.

Bumper winner Nodda High Kid has not shown the same level of form over hurdles to date, but we still hold the horse in high regard. He's now on a workable handicap mark, and is working well with Hartforth at home, so we hope we see some improvement on Sunday. He's in the 2m 3½f handicap hurdle.

Ellistrin Belle