Horse racing evening tips: Ayr best bets from Dave Nevison

6.30 Ayr: My Macho Man

He looks set to get an uncontested lead here and should be able to save enough for the finish to fend off the late closers.

My Macho Man was returned to the Flat last time after being on a long and steady decline over hurdles and he seemed to appreciate the switch in code, finishing fifth and beaten 3½ lengths. He has been dropped another 2lbs for that and, provided he doesn’t deteriorate further, looks to have a real chance.

7.00 Ayr: Soldier’s Minute

His run at York last week certainly showed he’s in very good form and he’s absolutely thrown in off a mark of 87.

Soldier’s Minute must have gone into many punters’ trackers on the Knavesmire as he could be seen in his distinctive colours travelling markedly well fully two furlongs out. He has gone very well in some of the key big-field handicaps at York in his day but if the breaks do not come in those sprints it is really painful to watch. He may not have quite won last week even with a clear run but he’s clearly very well handicapped.

This his lowest turf mark since 2019 and he should go very close with regular rider Joe Fanning back on board.

8.00 Ayr: Black Friday

It's been a while since Black Friday has been in the winner’s enclosure but, judged on his latest efforts, it looks like his turn is becoming due again.

Certainly Mike Smith is in very good form with a couple of winners recently and the trainer would have been pleased with his eight-year-old’s effort when runner-up over course and distance last time. Black Friday last won at the back end of 2021 and that was in this 0-85 bracket which is pretty much his grade these days, but a few weeks before that win he did land a 0-95 over course and distance.

I would be surprised if he has lost the will to win races in the interim and he looks to be regathering his form now, so I am happy to be with him in a modest event.