Paul Ferguson goes for Yes Tom in the 13:45 at Ayr on Monday. The early price at Bet365 and is 5/1
Grand National hope and recent Wincanton novice hurdle winner Ballabriggs sets a very good standard in the victorchandler.com Novices’ Hurdle at Ayr, but 2m4f on decent ground might not prove enough of a stamina test for Donald McCain’s charge.
With that in mind, it might be worth taking a chance on Irish raider Yes Tom (1:45) who twice finished runner-up in bumpers at the track last term, latterly when chasing home the exciting Sprinter Sacre on Scottish Grand National day, with the pair 22 lengths clear of the remainder, which included the 139-rated hurdler Habbie Simpson in fourth.
The striking grey looked a picture in the parade ring before making his hurdles debut at Aintree in October, where he ran well in third, and he filled the same spot at Down Royal last time, when he was heavily backed.
The ground that day was probably too soft for the six-year-old, who looks capable of a bold showing from the front for a trainer who boasts a 50% strike-rate (3 winners from 6 runners) at the track in the past five seasons. The early price at Bet365 and is 5/1
Monday’s selection:
1:45 Ayr: Yes Tom
Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2010-11 is available hot off the press from the 1st October for just £9.99
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Last year’s selections included:
Hurricane Fly: 3/1 winner of the G1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Copper Bleu: 12/1 winner of the Jewson at Cheltenham
Great Endeavour: 18/1 winner of the Festival Plate
Tranguil Sea: 11/2 winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Sizing Europe: 6/1 winner of the Arkle
Weapon’s Amnesty: 10/1 winner of the RSA Chase
