The cold snap looks like coming to an end as far as racing is concerned and Ayr leads the racing fixtures for the start of the week with a National Hunt card ably supported by Wolverhampton on the sand. Champion Tipster Paul Jacobs gives his analysis on the first two cards of the week below.

Ayr Tips –

2.00 – Ayr – SYDNEY PAGET is a most likeable sort and following a clear cut success in a novice hurdle at Bangor he lost nothing in defeat when going down narrowly to the smart Knock A Hand at Haydock over the fixed brush hurdles. Despite having to give seven pounds away to the majority of his rivals, the Don McCain charge should prove too strong for them and has most to fear from the Irish raider Don’t Back Down for whom the testing ground won’t prove a problem but has something to find on form.

BET NOW – SYDNEY PAGET

2.35 – Ayr – This looks a nice opportunity for the former smart hurdler LIE FORRIT to return to winning ways after finding the two and three quarter miles of the Kelso chase track too sharp. This is much more his scenario although he did beat his main rival here, Blenheim Palace over that C&D recently and should confirm that form over this extended trip.

BET NOW – LIE FORRIT

3.40 – Ayr – Extalar’s jumping is still a major cause for concern although these fences hardly provide a major test and he is back on the same mark that brought him a Carlisle success last term. Neptune Equester went off favourite for the Warwick Classic last time out but was never going well at any stage and this is easier, but he has to give a lot of weight away so a tentative vote goes to MISTER MARKER. He will need every yard of this extended three miles, but has been of good form of late and just needs a good even gallop to bring his stamina into play late doors.

BET NOW – MISTER MARKER

Wolverhampton Tips –

2.20 – Wolverhampton – Most eyes will be fixed on the old man Canadian Danehill after he arguably hit the front a wee bit too early over C&D last time out, form that has been cemented since. It goes without saying that he remains on a winning mark, but may have had too much on his plate to deal with NOVABRIDGE. The four-year-old has twice run well over C&D of late and just sneaks into this class of handicap thanks to a moderate effort at Lingfield Park last time out. Double figure racing odds would look outstanding value if he were to return to his best form.

BET NOW – NOVABRIDGE (each-way)

3.25 – Wolverhampton – An interesting little seller in which there should be enough pace on with Unlimited and Zomerlust in the field and that should suit both Faithful Ruler and STRIKER TORRES. The last named showed his turn wasn’t far away when finishing off nicely behind Hawk Moth over course and distance last time out and he just gets the nod.

BET NOW – STRIKER TORRES