THERE’S some excellent pre Cheltenham action at Ayr’s traditional two day March meeting on Friday and Saturday when there are seven races each day.

The highlight of the opening day is the two mile four furlong handicap chase in which Nick Alexander sends out Craiganboy in an attempt to land a quick double after his course win here late last month while Lochnell, a winner over hurdles at the track attempts to win her first chase.

Saturday’s card features three Class 3 contests – a two mile handicap chase, a three mile chase and a two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle.

In the two-mile chase, Chidswell looks the one to beat if turning out again for Nicky Richards while in the three mile contest Kilbree Chief, from the Lucinda Russell yare is another horse looking to follow up a recent course win.

It’s the first weekend fixture of 2017 at Scotland’s premier track and leading riders including Tom Scudamore, Brian Hughes, Henry Brooke and Brian Harding will be in action.

The first race on both days is at 2.10pm with gates open at 12.10pm.