Horse Racing Tips: Rhys Williams likes a maiden hurdler at Ayr

Some promise on rules debut

Ayr 12:30: Bridge Road 0.5pt e/w 50/1

Sure Touch and Parisencore set the standard in this opening maiden hurdle at Ayr while Ballycoose won well on debut in a bumper at Down Royal despite showing greenness late on although that race hasn't worked out particularly well.

Douglas Talking is another bumper winner in the field and, judging by his two runs over hurdles, I'm expecting him to set a good pace. That should suit Bridge Road who I think could run better than his big price suggests after showing a bit of promise at Uttoxeter last time.

He started his career in Ireland with Damian Murphy and showed very little on his first two starts before showing a bit more at Dromahane when only dropping away in the home straight.

Bought for £4,000 after to join Jennie Candlish, he made his first start for her two weeks ago at Uttoxeter over two miles. Held up from the off, he jumped well and was still going well on the very long run to 3 out. He didn't get a clear run on the final bend and was bumped along. He couldn't get anywhere near the leaders but kept plugging on well to finish eighth.

I think that was a stronger race than the one Bridge Road contests today with Tim Pat, who finished three lengths ahead of him, finishing third in a maiden hurdle at the same track since and is now rated 106. It was also encouraging that Bridge Road finished off the race better than he had done at Dromahane.

It may be that he's more of a long term handicap chase prospect and he won't be sharp enough for this but I think he has more ability than his price suggests and any 33/1 or bigger appeals.