In the penultimate month of the official flat racing campaign, the Ayr Gold Cup, as per usual presents itself as one of the trickiest handicaps of the season. History tells us that three-year-olds generally don’t fair well having last won at that age in 2002, and that carrying more than 9st 4lbs severely dents chances in what is typically a 6f slog.
Richard Fahey has two – from three entered – contenders with an opportunity to defy those statistics in Don’t Touch and Heaven’s Guest. The former is an exciting prospect and may be well-handicapped based on his potential, but given his relative inexperience in big handicaps and a desperately short price (7/1) in a field of 25, he is passed over in favour of his more battle-hardened stablemate.
Heaven’s Guest has run well to finish fourth twice in this contest in recent years and admittedly he is slightly higher in the weights, but he has taken his form to new heights this season winning at Royal Ascot and in a listed contest at Naas. He also ran admirably in a Group 2 contest won by Adaay and with a 3lb claimer back on board, he is effectively 4lbs better off for his 2.25l defeat. A model of consistency, I can’t help but be enticed by the 22/1 with five places on offer. He normally enjoys the extra furlong but a stiff six on ground more easy than fast with a plum draw in 15 makes plenty of appeal.
The Steward’s Cup second and third of Toofi and Rivellino are both of significant interest, however another that caught the eye at the same festival at Goodwood in the consolation race was four-year-old Golden Steps. He won with a bit in hand last time out and this will be just his fourth start of the campaign after a busy three-year-old season. Marco Botti may have been aiming him at this after that success and his gelding could yet defy a 7lb rise with the third Go Far franking the form by winning yesterday at this meeting. A big field will suit his hold-up tactics and having not raced as a two-year-old there could still be scope for improvement in what is effectively his second campaign racing.
1pt Win Golden Steps @14/1, Ayr 15:45
1pt EW Heaven’s Guest @22/1, Ayr 15:45
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