Ayr Gold Cup

The Ayr Gold Cup, to be run this afternoon at 16.30 CET at Ayr, is not only the richest race in Scotland, but also one of the biggest betting races of the year. With a maximum field of 27, this year´s edition of this 6 furlongs handicap looks as wide open as ever. The effect of the draw remains an unknown factor; yesterday´s running of the Silver Cup saw horses drawn low (inside) doninating the finish, although the normal view is that the stands side (high numbers) hae the advantage. It could well be that there is on this heavy ground no advantage to either side, and that the best horse on the day will be returned the winner, which is as it should be. It is even possible that a horse in the middle of the track can come out on top, for example the ex-German Raptor (Richard Mullen), one of 3 runners from the Karl Burke stable; however the betting suggests that Confuchias (Jamie Morierty), drawn 26, is the stable´s main hope. Another trainer to go mob-handed into this race is D avid Nicholls, who has an excellent record here and now saddles 6 runners. Possibly Valery Borsov (Franny Norton), drawn 7, is the best of this yard´s runners, although there is litlle between him and Tajneed, ridden by trainer´s son Adrian on their Ripon running. Kevin Ryan has his string in tremendous form and Advanced, drawn 3, one of his 3 runners and last year´s winner, looks the likely favourite with stable jockey Neil Callan in the saddle; however his German pedigree does not suggest that he will handle this ground. Fonthill Road (Freddie Tylicki) won this in 2006 but in another who would prefer better going. At the likely odds Raptor, who ran a great race in the spring in Ireland against Snaefell on very heavy ground, could be worth a small each-way bet. Also at Ayr there is a Group Three for 32yo fillies over 6 furlongs at 15.20 with 15 runners. Danehill Destiny (William Haggas/ Robert Winston), who ran well whe a close 4th of 12 in a similar race at Doncaster over 5 furlongs, is the likely favourite here. The listed race over 1 furlons at 17.40 is also tricky, but the three 3yo´s in the field, Redolent (Richard Hannon/ Eddie Ahern), runner-up at Baden-Baden last time, Perks (John Dunlop/ Jimmy Quinn) and Lady Deauville (Paul Blockley/ Franny Norton) all go well on the ground and could have the finish between them.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Mannlichen - More Than Many - Woteva
2.Race: Danehill Destiny - Danidh Dubai - Sneak Preview
3.Race: Zero Tolerance - Underworld - Osteopathic Remedy
4.Race: Valery Borzov - Advanced - Confuchias
5.Race: Kings Point - Amicus Meus - Against The Grain
6.Race: Perks - Lady Deauville - Bushman
7.Race: Torphichen - Tarkheena Prince - Gordonsville
8.Race: Persian Peril - Freeloader - Wind Shuffle