Ayr preview: Shadwell Stud Nursery (14.30)

General Alexander has some smart form to his name and looks weighted to go well at a big price on handicap debut in the 6f Shadwell Stud Nursery on today’s card at Ayr (14.30).

The Brian Ellison trained gelding shaped with plenty of promise on debut when a staying on third in the Brocklesby at Doncaster, and backed that up with a cracking second of 12 to Lathom at Beverley.

General Alexander showed plenty of pace in the latter before keeping on really well to go down by just a neck.

The winner has since gone on to land the valuable Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury and is now rated 100, and that makes General Alexander opening handicap mark of 81 look potentially on the lenient side.

Although General Alexander went on to disappoint next time up when a well beaten fourth at Chester, the son of Zebedee seemed unsuited by the track and bounced back to finish a solid 4 3/4 length eighth of 18 to Tasleet in a valuable sales race at Doncaster when last seen in action.

This is less competitive, and on the pick of his form General Alexander looks weighted to run a huge race in the hands of Paul Mulrennan.

Giddy scored in good style on debut and looks a big player from what may well be a lenient opening mark.

The Richard Fahey trained filly landed a gamble in impressive fashion at Beverley when travelling strongly throughout and showing a smart turn of foot to win going away by 2 3/4 lengths.

Although what she beat is questionably, the manner of the success suggested Giddy could be above average and needed keeping firmly onside.

An initial rating of 79 could well underestimate Giddy’s ability, but lack of experience could count against the daughter of Kyllachy in what is a very competitive contest.