Ayr and Newton Abbot (N.H.)

Only 2 meetings in the U.K. this afternoon, with flat racing at Ayr and N.H. racing at Newton Abbot. The 3yo mile handicap at Ayr at 17.30 CET looks quite open, but top-weight Tiger Reigns (Michael Dods/ Tony Hamilton) looks the one to beat, having won 3 of her 5 starts this year. Last-time-out winner Island Chief (Kevin and Amy Ryan) and Espero (Rod Farrant/ Graham Gibbons) may give her most to do. Several CD specialists meet in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.00, notably Dorn Dancer, who is on a long losing spell but now very favourably weighted; any rain would be in her favour. Irish raider Tellelle (Liam McAteer/ Joe Fanning looks the main danger. The Irish have been cleaning up on Scotland in recent weeks and have chances of adding more success today at the opposite end of Britain, in Newton Abbot´s jumps meeting, where Cooksgrove Lady (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire) and Eastern Surprise (Gavin Cromwell/ Richard Johnson) can fight out the finish to the novice hurdle at 15. 15. est race here is the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.45. El Bandindos (Davod Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) won twice in 2007 and then came back after a long layoff to score again convincingly and is the likely favourite. Mister Apples (Ian Williams/ Jason Maguire) and Dennis the Legend (Grant Cann/ Nick Scholfield), both last time out winners, look the main dangers. German-bred Olivino (Bernard Llewellyn/ Isabel Tompsett) is in good form and can take the handicap hurdle half an hour later; he runs his best races for this rider.