Morning all,
Another seven-race card for day 2 of Ayr’s Western Meeting. There’s also a good card at Newbury with a few juvenile races which will be informative with next season in mind. There’s also an interesting 1m4 Class 2 handicap.
Ayr Gold Cup Festival – Day 2
3:15 – Michael Dods trained the winner 12 months ago and looks to have a lively contender in recent York nursery winner Que Amoro. The 3-year-old has only had the five career starts and looks capable of more progress despite the step up in class here. Last year’s winner Intense Romance also won the York nursery before coming here. No issues with the drying ground as both her wins have come on good or quicker going.
2pts win – Que Amoro – 5/1 @ Bet365 or 4/1 – Gen
3:45 – The first of the Ayr Gold Cup consolation races. Just the 25 runners go to post for the Bronze Cup.
Tommy G was an eyecatcher at Doncaster last week. The 6-year-old didn’t break to well from the stalls in the Lady Rider 6f handicap. Held up in the rear he was travelling better than most of his rivals, but behind a wall of horses, coming to two out. He had to switched to the stands side to make his effort and made good headway under a hands and heels ride to finish 7th of 16, beaten 3 ¼ lengths.
Third in the Goodwood Stewards Cup consolation race; he remains on a competitive mark. Eight in last year’s Bronze Cup at Ayr on heavy ground, he can race off 8lb lower in this year’s race. Will benefit from stronger handling than he got last time.
At bigger prices the Richard Fahey pair of Paddy Power & Wasntexpectingthat shouldn’t be far away if all the cards fall right.
In truth I was hoping for 10/1 about Tommy G so he’s plenty short enough in the market albeit he remains my idea of the most likely winner.
1pt each way – Tommy G – Jim Goldie – 13/2 @ Paddy Power or 6/1 – Gen – paying 5 places
Newbury
2:20 – Despite the small field, just six runners, this is an intriguing little race. It’s 7/2 the field with the outsider a best priced 6/1.
Two-time course winner Scarlet Dragon disappointed at York last time but prior to that had finished 4th of 13 behind Kings Advice at Goodwood. He can be keen in his races but if his jockey can get him settled the 6-year-old needs respecting.
Shailene finished one place in front of Scarlet Dragon at Goodwood. The filly has since gone onto finish second in a German Group 2 and shouldn’t be far away here.
My idea of the winner is Soto Sizzler. Twice a winner at Epsom this season seems to go very well on downhill tracks. The 4-year-old was sent off the 5/1 joint favourite for a 1m 2f Goodwood handicap on his last start but lacked the pace to get competitive and could only finish 9th. Given the market support he received that he probably remains on a winnable mark and will be better suited by a return to today’s distance.
1pt win – Soto Sizzler – 4/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power
Cheers
John