Sparkling victory for Baby Ticker at Ayr

Rising 12, up in grade, 5lb higher than previous highest winning mark, ridden by an amateur with no previous win against professional jockeys.........but over her favourite course, optimum distance and with testing conditions to her liking, there was really only one outcome. No?

Pre race analysis pointed to the strong chances of Tom Lacey's progressive Southern novice Unohu who indeed started a short priced favourite. And at the end of the race it looked like Unohu would prevail with a 3 length lead approaching the last. But Connor Wood had conjured up a nice run from Baby Ticker, and once safely over the last with one flick of the whip, bore down on the favourite and won going away slightly more easily than the winning margin of ¾ length might suggest.

But to concentrate solely on the finish would do Connor an injustice. With Baby Ticker close up and jumping well, Connor didn't panic when caught for toe after jumping 3 out (normal 4 out) at the end of the back straight. The combination dropped back to 5th but Connor kept his mount going under hands and heels. Over two out and Connor became a little more vigorous approaching the last as Baby Ticker moved into second with her sights firmly set on the  leader Unohu, whose stamina may just have been starting to wane.
On the run-in and Baby Ticker soon drew upsides, and stayed on well to victory.

Tremendous performance, another personal best, by our veteran mare and a first class ride from Connor in what was only his second winner overall under rules and his first winner against professional jockeys.
Baby's best pal Rachel was there to lead up and then into the winner's enclosure.

A fine day all round.