Kevin Stott blog: Hi hopes for Royal at Ayr

Ayr, Thursday

I begin today with Chuzzlewit in the opening novice race (1.20pm). He ran green on his debut and then aimed high when running in the Gimcrack where he didn’t disgrace himself at all. It looks as though the step up to 7f is very much going to help and I’m nicely drawn in stall four.

Hi Royal (1.50pm) ran a huge race on debut in the Convivial at York, he was a bit green early but flew home and has seemingly progressed since then. The way he finished suggests stepping up to a mile won’t be an issue and I’m looking forward to getting back on board this exciting colt.

Yazaman (2.25pm) was once very useful but has lost his way. Kevin Ryan and the team haven’t had him long, so we are still learning about him, but he ran okay at Thirsk last time in an amateur race. He needs to get back on the right path though.

In the following race (3.00pm), I take the ride on What’s The Story for Keith Dalgleish. He’s been an absolute legend and has been great for his connections. He got back to winning ways last time having not won for three years but has continued to be competitive at a high level. He’s up 5lb but that win may have done his confidence the world of good and he can definitely get into the frame here.

In the finale (5.20pm), I’m on Superstar Dj. He’s stepping up in trip for the first time and this is his handicap debut. He’ll need to improve on what he has shown but that’s very much possible and the Richard Spencer yard have been in great form the last few weeks.