Hi all,
It’s the start of the 3-day Ayr Gold Cup Festival which culminates on Saturday with the annual cavalry charge known as the Ayr Gold Cup. In normal years this would be the best attended meetings at the Scottish track. However, this isn’t a normal year and the meeting will be held behind closed doors. I have had a look at four races.
Ayr
2:30 – It looks like there should be a good pace for this 1m handicap. That would suit top-weight Phantasmal who broke his maiden tag at 12th attempt when winning at Musselburgh just 5-days ago. Has a 5lb penalty to carry for that success but 5lb apprentice Ray Dawson has been booked which negates his weight rise.
1pt each way – Phantasmal – 7/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
4:00 – Hajjam disappointed at Haydock 13-days ago. However, he always needs respecting back at Ayr where his form figures are 1121. The last of those wins came over a mile but he’s just as effective over 7f. Usually held up in his races he should get a decent pace to chase and has each way claims.
1pt each way – Hajjam – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
5:00 – Victory Angel broke a losing run that stretched back to August 2017 when winning at Musselburgh 11-days ago. The harder they go up front the better for the 6-year-old who has a 5lb penalty to carry for his last success. At his best on a sound surface, so the drier the weather the better his chance.
1pt each way – Victory Angel – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
5:35 – Dreams And Visions hasn’t been seen on the track since winning this race 12 months ago off 3lb lower. Looked capable of better that day and remains on a competitive mark with Ray Dawson taking off a handy 5lb. Back to back win a serious possibility if fully tuned up.
1pt each way – Dreams And Visions – 11/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (both paying 5 places 1/5 odds)
Cheers
John