3.10 Ayr, Tuesday, January 7

In the RacingTV.com Handicap Hurdle (3.10) at Ayr on Tuesday, Cornborough returns from a 52-day break, but beat subsequent dual winner Golden Jeffrey with something in hand at Wetherby when last seen in November and the handicapper appears to have erred on the side of leniency by raising him just 4lb for that success. Indeed, the runner-up had beaten all bar the progressive Chica Buena on his previous start at Musselburgh, so the form looks particularly strong in the context of this race.

Cornborough has won a couple of times over hurdles on rain-softened ground, including a maiden hurdle over course and distance three seasons ago, and demonstrated his ability to act on the prevailing ‘soft’ going when winning on the Flat at Chester in September. Relatively lightly raced for an eight-year-old, the son of Derby winner Sir Percy has won off his current handicap mark, of 126, in the past and, having run at least as well as ever the last twice, must have every chance of doing so again.

In fact, Cornborough missed an engagement in a better race at Sandown on Saturday to wait for this easier opportunity, so the hint looks well worth taking. All of his rivals have questions to answer, for one reason or another, so provided he’s fit and ready to do himself justice after a short absence Cornborough looks to have an outstanding chance of following up his Wetherby victory.

Selection: Ayr 3.10 Cornborough to win