Two Runners to Look Forward to Today

We return to action today with two runners on the track, heading to Newcastle and Ayr, and both horses have solid reasons to be of interest as they line up for their respective races.

🏇 Billy Bathgate

1.38 Newcastle

Jockey: PJ McDonald

Billy Bathgate heads to Newcastle in good heart and arrives here as one of the more consistent performers in the field. Consistency was very much his trademark last season, and he’s continued to show that same level of reliability in recent runs, often putting in honest efforts without quite getting his head in front.

This looks like a race that could suit him well, especially if the pace is run at a nice, even gallop. Billy tends to travel kindly when allowed to find his rhythm, and with PJ McDonald taking the ride, the plan will be to ease him into the race, get him settled early, and allow him to creep into contention as things begin to unfold.

If everything falls into place and he gets the race run to suit, there’s every chance he can be bang there towards the finish and put in another solid performance.

🏇 Dublinofficecallin

3.48 Ayr

Jockey: Craig NichoL

Dublinofficecallin faces a slightly different test at Ayr and lines up in what looks a competitive contest. He’s a tough, hardy type who doesn’t shy away from a battle, and there’s a possibility he could be ridden positively today and look to take the lead if the opportunity presents itself.

Ground conditions will be key, and hopefully he handles them well. He’s still building fitness following his last run, and that outing should have brought him on both mentally and physically. While confidence is naturally guarded, there are enough positives to suggest he could outrun expectations.

If things go his way, a place wouldn’t be out of the question, and he’s certainly the type who could surprise a few if allowed to dictate or find his rhythm early on.

Final Thoughts

Two runners, two very different profiles, but both heading into their races with legitimate hopes of running well. Billy Bathgate brings consistency and experience to Newcastle, while Dublinofficecallin looks to progress again at Ayr following his recent run.

As ever, we’ll be watching with interest and wishing both horses and their jockeys the very best of luck.