David Massey provides today's Punting Pointers and he's focussing on a couple of races at Ayr, which has survived a morning inspection.
Racing betting tips: Friday January 2
1pt win Jipcot in 15:00 Ayr at 13/2 (William Hill, bet365) - min 11/2
15:00 Ayr
Four winners in the last five days, and a smattering of places on top, is evidence of the revival in fortunes at Jackdaws Castle and the talented JIPCOT can provide Jonjo and A J O’Neill with another winner in this intriguing handicap chase.
Jipcot shaped well in three chase starts for Ben Pauling a couple of seasons ago, proving a little too keen, but has since improved over hurdles, winning at Newbury a year ago and making the frame on his next two starts. He’s not been seen since the Grand National meeting, but has won after a break in the past and is 5lb lower than when in the frame in a Pertemps qualifier at Haydock in the spring.
Jipcot showed signs that he was calming down last term having previously been headstrong and that should help as he has a second crack at fences here. He’s been found a good opportunity and has reportedly been ready to go for a while.
15:30 Ayr
Ian Duncan endured a long winless spell before Celestial Fashion scored at Newcastle in March 2024 but his Ayrshire yard has been ticking over nicely since then, particularly at his local track, where his record in handicap hurdles in the last two years is a very healthy 7 wins from 21 runners.
He recently saddled Celestial Fashion’s half-brother Highland Fashion to win at Carlisle over three miles and the son of Champs Elysees can follow up in the finale at Ayr.
Several times last season, the six-year-old looked in need of a test of stamina and he duly showed improved form when stepped up in trip at Carlisle. He remains unexposed as a stayer and is the type to run up a sequence if his sights aren’t raised too high.
Preview posted 09:14 GMT on 02/01/26
Want to know more about horse welfare within our sport?
2025 successes
- Jacques Clouseau 8/1
- Gogo Yubari 7/2
- Ali Star Bert 100/30
- Rossbridge 9/2
- Kala Conti 5/2
- Found A Fifty 100/30
- Hold Up La Colmine 9/2
- Ben Solo 9/2
- Eldorado Allen 17/2
- French Emperor 15/2
- Lud'or 9/2
- Iddy Wood 9/2
- Jager Time 11/2
- Susie Sioux 3/1
- Smooth Silesie 13/2
- Sticktotheplan 6/1
- Daryz 11/1
- Expressionless 9/1
- Blue Jay Way 11/1
- Revival Power 13/2
- Yanifer 10/1
- Saddadd 5/2
- Dark Cloud Rising 11/2
- Forglen 13/2
- Brazilian Belle 11/4
- Red Panda 17/2
- Bearwith 7/2
- Nogo’s Dream 2/1
- Alpha Magic 20/1
- Minnie Hauk 5/1
- Gore Point 17/2
- Molten Sea 6/1
- Pay Attention 5/1
- Laser Focus 13/2
- Phaedra 2/1
- Eldrickjones 8/1
- Straight F/C Cosmic Year/Marvelman 28/1
- Pink Eyed Pancho 12/1
- Pep Talking 7/2
- Ultra Beat 7/2
- Les's Legacy 13/2
- Coniston George 9/2
- Fairlawn Flyer 12/1
- Finn Lough 9/2
- Magma Sam 9/1
- Hawajes 9/2
- Trouble Man 3/1
- Royal Jewel 11/4
- Mr Vango 5/1
- Jack Sprat 11/4
- Ormolulu 100/30
- Khangai 9/2
- Jimmy Knocker 6/1
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
