Making a ‘confident’ selection in a handicap may be a little unwise but, in the Weddings at Western House Hotel Handicap (3.30) at Ayr on Monday, Al Khan looks to have had his enthusiasm rekindled by the switch to David O’Meara (as horses often do) and he looks capable of defying a 6lb penalty. The Elnadim gelding recorded a career-best effort when staying on to lead close home in a 0-90 contest, over 7 furlongs, at Catterick last Wednesday and a repeat performance would probably be good enough anyway.
However, the 6-year-old is entitled to improve for the Catterick run – his first for the yard and his first since September – so, dropping back to 0-85 company, he appears to have an outstanding chance, handicap or not. He’s done all his winning on good to firm or good going and has won over 7 furlongs on the straight course at Leicester, so the return to a galloping track shouldn’t cause him any problems, in terms of stamina.
The North Yorkshire trainer has a respectable 13-60 (22%) strike rate with his older horses at Ayr over the last five seasons so, all in all, Al Khan has plenty going for him. At 3/1 in the early price lists, he looks decent value to complete a quick-fire double.
Selection: Ayr 3.30 Al Khan to win Tipster: David