Horse Racing Tips: Rhys Williams likes a winning hurdler to get off the mark over fences

Promising chasing debut and mark unchanged

Ayr 14:45: Buzz De Turcoing 1pt win 15/8

Buzz De Turcoing showed some ability in Irish points and built on that, while being a little inconsistent over hurdles, getting off the mark at the sixth attempt in that sphere.

He didn't always look the easiest ride over hurdles but he seemed far more straightforward when improving on what he showed over hurdles on chasing debut at Wetherby late last month. Initially held up, he was a bit hesitant at the first fence but his jumping was much better down the back straight as he moved into second, tracking Ashtown Lad. He was a bit clumsy at the third and last fences down the back straight on the final circuit but was still travelling well turning the final bend a couple of lengths behind the leader. He got in a bit tight to 4 out and was pushed along after and he kept finding for pressure but couldn't quite challenge Ashtown Lad at any stage and was beaten 4¾ lengths.

This was an encouraging chasing debut against a rival rated 12lb higher over hurdles while Buzz De Turcoing finished clear of Barbados Buck's in third. While the winner was raised 6lb to 141, the rules mean that Buzz De Turcoing's rating couldn't be changed so he races today off 123 and he looks capable of being better than that based on what he showed at Wetherby.

He looks to have mentally matured as he settled much better at Wetherby which is a good sign as he once again races in a small field and any further rain today will be no issue for him either.

While there's the potential for Sunset West to improve for the switch to fences, he doesn't have the benefit of a run this season so I think Buzz De Turcoing has a very good chance to gain a second win under rules. Any 7/4 or bigger appeals.