Sean Bowen Saturday rides blog: 'The fact he’s travelling over from Ireland suggests connections think he’s got a real chance'

Sean Bowen Saturday rides blog - Saturday, April 18, 2026

Sean Bowen Saturday rides schedule

• Moudan - Ayr - 1.10 race odds

• Queenie St Clair - Ayr - 2.20 race odds

• Gabbys Cross - Ayr - 3.35 race odds

• Our Boy Stan - Ayr - 4.15 race odds

• Old Habits - Ayr - 4.48 race odds

1.10 – Moudan

I’ve never actually sat on Moudan before, so he’s a bit of an unknown to me, but you’d have to take notice of his recent form. He won nicely at Navan and then ran a solid race to finish second at Fairyhouse, so he comes here in good nick. The fact he’s travelling over from Ireland suggests connections think he’s got a real chance, and he carries a nice light weight too. Hopefully, he can get me off to a good start on Coral Scottish Grand National Day.

2.20 – Queenie St Clair

I’ve had a good experience with Queenie St Clair already, as I won on her at Fontwell, and she followed that up with a big success in a valuable race at Kelso. She’s clearly on the up, but this Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle is another step forward, and she’s effectively running from 4lb out of the handicap, which makes life tougher. That said, she handles soft ground well, and with only a small field, I’m hoping she can run a big race and get involved.

3.35 – Gabbys Cross

I am really looking forward to riding in the Coral Scottish Grand National. This is such a huge race and day in Scotland. The atmosphere at Ayr is always electric. I won the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow earlier in the season, so it would be amazing to complete a national double.

Gabbys Cross has been in good form this season, though his recent runs have come in veterans’ chases, so this is a different test stepping back into open company. He’ll need to find a bit more, but he’s versatile ground-wise and arrives in good shape. If he can travel and jump well, hopefully he’ll give me a good spin for a long way, and we’ll see where that takes us.

4.15 – Our Boy Stan

Our Boy Stan has won two of his last three starts, including his hurdle debut at Ffos Las, though he was well beaten in a strong race at Cheltenham last time. To mix it with these, he probably needs to improve on what he’s shown over hurdles so far. That said, he comes here fresh after a break, and that might just help him step forward again.

4.48 – Old Habits

Finally, I ride Old Habits in the bumper. He won at Sedgefield and he has a bit of experience from the pointing field, which is always a positive in these races. He’s not been seen since that win, but if he’s come on for it, I think he should go there with strong claims. He’s probably my best chance of the day.

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