Ayr Hurdle Preview: 16:00, 23 February 2026

The Join RTV Now Handicap Hurdle brings eleven runners to Ayr for a 2m 4f test on soft ground. This Class 4 handicap shapes as a race where course form and trip experience carry real weight, particularly on the heavy terrain.

The Selection

Diamond Geezer stands out as the clear choice. He arrives with the highest combined score in the field (1509) and carries a RaceMetrics Rating of 1564. The standout data points are concrete: he is a proven course winner (1 win from 1 run at Ayr) and boasts solid form over the trip, with 2 wins from 5 runs over 2m2f–4f. In Class 4 company specifically, he has recorded 2 wins from 4 runs. He was last out 25 days ago—sharp enough to peak without losing fitness. Sean Bowen in the saddle adds a reliable jockey booking. Olly Murphy's training record registers as an Extreme pattern match for this race type. The only caveat: Diamond Geezer is untried on soft going (but as form on heavy), but his course form and trip record are too strong to overlook at 3.00.

The Dangers

Eloi Du Puy presents the primary threat. His RaceMetrics Rating of 1534 sits high, and the Form Expert data shows 1 win from 4 runs on soft ground—the only credible statistic in that column for this race. Over 2m2f–4f he has won 4 times from 10 runs, a genuinely strong record. However, he is 0 from 3 at Ayr and has won only 1 from 7 in Class 4, which softens his appeal. At 9.00, he commands respect but lacks the course form that Diamond Geezer owns.

The Jeweller's Pet cannot be ignored in the exotics. He boasts the best soft-ground record in the field with 1 win from 2 runs on that going, and he is a double course winner (2 wins from 6 at Ayr). Over 2m2f–4f he is 2 from 7, and in Class 4 he has 1 win from 4 runs. He was last out just 13 days ago, so freshness may be marginal. At 6.00, he offers value as a place horse or saver, but Diamond Geezer's unbeaten course form and stronger combined score give the selection the edge.

At a Price

The Jeweller's Pet at 6.00 warrants a place stake. His soft-ground credentials and Ayr record are legitimate, and he sits comfortably within the each-way calculation.

Verdict

Diamond Geezer wins this with soft-ground inexperience the only minor question mark (but as form on heavy) against a course winner who suits the trip and trainer angle.