Richard Birch's play of the day at Ayr

So Many Roads

2.25 Ayr

So Many Roads really gets the punting juices flowing ahead of his appearance in Ayr’s 3m handicap chase (2.25).

With further rain forecast, this race is likely to be staged on heavy ground and turn into a thorough test of stamina.

My selection’s best performance over hurdles came when sluicing through the Ayr mud over 2m4½f in January 2023 to beat Euchan Falls by a length and three-quarters off a mark of 94.

That represented a first venture into handicaps for So Many Roads, and he looked the type who would improve and win more races when an emphasis was placed on stamina.

So Many Roads has failed to win again in seven subsequent starts, but only one of those defeats was at 3m, and just one was over fences.

He remains thoroughly unexposed as a staying chaser and promises – both on running style and his breeding – to be suited by the step back up in trip.

So Many Roads is only 1lb higher than when winning at Ayr and looks to have been found an excellent opportunity.

So Many Roads14:25 Ayr

View Racecard

Jky: Craig Nichol Tnr: Donald Whillans

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