July 17 / 15.45 Ayr

15.45

Soft

Ayr Gold Cup Trial Handicap

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 16 runners
RTV
View Course
Ayr Gold Cup Trial Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

1st
15 (12)
Ramiro

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.30
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 0-5522 BF

Last run: 3 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 7yo; 0-9 for current stable but has shown promising form in a hood this term, most recently second in lower grade at Chester (7f, soft) on Friday; removal of the headgear presents a dilemma.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(6)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Ramiro

9st 9lb

J: W J Lee

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

Six turf wins but below form lately; has run well enough on AW from just five starts but others preferred today.

33/1

8

(4)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 15y

15:20 Listowel

Ramiro

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

Won this race in 2020 and again last year off 1lb higher; likely to have needed his latest outing when behind a few of these at Roscommon and Oisin Murphy is an eye-catching booking; looks to have been laid out for this; interesting.

20/1

16

(5)

1st Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 94y

17:15 Roscommon

Ramiro

9st 3lb

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

First reserve; the last of his six wins came at Listowel 11 months ago; not a bad effort there on sole run this year but needs more.

10/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 220834 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Seems to handle any ground; retains ability aged eight and ties in with Tinto on latest effort; has a notable Ayr performance on his CV, having landed the 2019 Bronze Cup (off 1lb lower).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:18 Newcastle (AW)

Music Society

9st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Ran on well to win a 6f handicap at Newmarket two weeks ago (6f, soft); that race had rather an end-of-season feel to it but the Topspeed figure was good and a 3lb rise looks fair; interesting on first AW start since October 2018.

7/2

9th

10

(7)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:18 Newcastle (AW)

Music Society

9st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Ran on well to win a 6f handicap at Newmarket two weeks ago (6f, soft); that race had rather an end-of-season feel to it but the Topspeed figure was good and a 3lb rise looks fair; interesting on first AW start since October 2018.

7/2

1st

12

(3)

2nd Nov 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:07 Newmarket

Music Society

8st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

took keen hold early, towards rear, switched left when smooth headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on well

9/1

3rd
8 (14)
Rock Melody

8/1

  • Place: £6.80

Form: 356611 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Got up close home in Class 4 contests over 5f on good ground at Musselburgh the last twice, shaping as if this return to 6f may prove no problem; the forecast slower surface is a different matter but she's hard to rule out; in top form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(1)

13th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 3

15:52 Musselburgh

Rock Melody

8st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Record of 0-9 this season but she's much better off with Jannas Journey on C&D running four starts ago; successful off higher marks in this race for the last two years; very attractively weighted and warrants respect.

11/2

6th

9

(3)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Ayr

Rock Melody

8st 12lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Soft-ground winner who is below her last winning mark and ran some pretty good races in defeat last month; however, she made it 0-8 for the year when finishing last here (7f, soft) last week and has to bounce back.

14/1

9

(4)

30th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:30 Ayr

Rock Melody

9st 5lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

In reasonable form, having made the frame in last three starts, latest over C&D when one place behind Quest For Fun; 2lb below last winning mark; enters the reckoning.

8/1

14/1

  • Place: £5.00

Form: 14-306 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
6f scorer two years ago but has gained most wins at 5f, the most recent off 2lb higher in May 2022; below peak form when returned to this distance last time; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(11)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Ripon

Illusionist

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Hold-up sprinter; just one win to his name since May 2022; shaped with some promise at Haydock three weeks ago (after a break) and he's on a fair mark; effective at the track.

12/1

78

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Illusionist

8st 13lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

6

(4)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Illusionist

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Below par on both runs this term but didn't perform badly at Hamilton in May last time on good going that may not have been ideal; now 2lb lower than when winning at Wetherby (soft) last year and the more rain the better.

16/1

Form: 528118 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Acts on any ground; hindered by wide draw at Chester 16 days ago (final run for Keith Dalgleish) when bidding for a hat-trick; respectable record over C&D includes a close second (off top weight) in this race last year; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(6)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Aberama Gold

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Not the force of old but won over C&D (good) off 2lb higher in April and last week's second at Epsom (6f, good to firm) confirms he's back in form; bold show likely.

11/4

2nd

1

(4)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

19:50 Epsom

Aberama Gold

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: David O’Meara

Not the force of old but won off 2lb higher at Catterick (6f, good) in April and beat his group when fifth overall in 14-runner Ayr handicap (6f, soft) last month; also suited by fast ground; can make his presence felt.

7/2

5th

7

(10)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Aberama Gold

10st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Three-time C&D winner; successful at Catterick (6f, good) in April but held in more competitive races since; not handicapped out of things but might prove vulnerable for win purposes.

10/1

20/1

Form: 730019 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Never figured from poor draw at Chester (6f, good) last month; better judged on Wetherby success (5.5f, good; got up on line) in May; however, bit to prove having gained all wins in lower grades.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(8)

8th Feb 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Ballyare

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Lucinda Russell

One-time useful sprinter but his powers are on the wane; showed he could still cut it at this level when a close fourth over C&D last month but he'll need the pace to collapse if he's to end his barren spell.

8/1

7th

2

(8)

8th Feb 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Ballyare

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Lucinda Russell

One-time useful sprinter but his powers are on the wane; showed he could still cut it at this level when a close fourth over C&D last month but he'll need the pace to collapse if he's to end his barren spell.

8/1

5th

7

(1)

18th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ballyare

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield

15/2

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: 4-0543 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Acts on any ground; steadily back to form this season, most recently third over 6f at Thirsk; favourably handicapped off 3lb below last winning mark; enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Tinto

10st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Operating off a reduced mark but on a losing run; has strong C&D form but reserves his best for Thirsk these days; well beaten on last month's seasonal return.

20/1

10th

5

(12)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Tinto

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

C&D winner; best known for exploits at Thirsk more recently, including a close second there last May (5f, good); cheekpieces off for his reappearance and not a solid option, for all he has dropped to a good mark.

20/1

18

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Tinto

9st 10lb

T: Michael Dods

8/1

Form: /3-481 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Opened his account in 7f handicap here (soft) last week on debut for Tony Coyle; incurs 5lb penalty in this better race but has low mileage and may have more to offer for new yard; possibilities, provided he copes with drop in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

(13)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Thunder Roar

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Soft-ground specialist who landed a fifth success when scoring at Ayr (1m) in September; yet to get going in three starts this year but he's edging down the weights and the booking of Colin Keane catches the eye; requires monitoring in the market with every drop of rain in his favour.

25/1

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

14/1

Form: 627664 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly on good/softer; triple C&D winner off higher marks; not disgraced, two places behind Manila Scouse, at this venue last week; 19-race losing sequence is the only negative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(2)

6th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

14:35 Musselburgh

Black Friday

8st 13lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: R Mike Smith

in touch with leaders, weakened over 1f out

10/1

11th

12

(2)

6th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

14:35 Musselburgh

Black Friday

8st 13lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: R Mike Smith

in touch with leaders, weakened over 1f out

10/1

4th

8

(5)

14th Oct 2024

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

16:20 Musselburgh

Black Friday

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: R Mike Smith

Latest of multiple wins came at 7f last August; below par lately, including behind The Gay Blade over C&D 12 days ago, but won in cheekpieces earlier in career and they're refitted for the first time since 2022.

20/1

16/1

Form: 65164 BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Improvement over 7f in May, winning novice event at Wetherby (good) then sixth in York handicap; disappointing favourite dropped back to 6f last time; not fully exposed but needs to prove he's a sprinter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(15)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

American Affair

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Didn't give his running in bid for back-to-back victories in Group 1 at Royal Ascot (last of 26) last month, but he'd previously shaped well when second in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock; this C&D winner (good to firm) takes a drop in grade and will be a danger to all if on a going day.

11/2

26th

2

(18)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

American Affair

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

A massive improver in 2025 as he was still cleaning up in handicaps in the spring before nipping home to win this race (good to firm) from Frost At Dawn; down the field on first run since, at York in May, but he came on a ton to chase home Night Raider at Haydock (5f, good to soft) latest; likely to pull out the stops for another excellent effort.

8/1

2nd

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

American Affair

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Highly progressive in 2025, winning the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); also won on good to soft last year; it was his first run since when down the field at York recently and he may have needed it, but a dramatic transformation is required just ten days on.

9/1

13/2

Form: /23242 BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly on soft ground; novice winner as a 2yo then missed his 3yo season; encouraging form in handicaps this term, most recently second (behind a largely progressive sort) over C&D last Monday; proving consistent and gives the impression there's a race of this nature in him; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(12)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Manila Scouse

9st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Close up on consecutive outings in May (5f/6f) and also ran well when sixth of 21 at York (6f, good; behind Woven) last month; still on a workable mark and ought to be in the thick of things again.

8/1

6th

13

(9)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Manila Scouse

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Exposed 7yo but he arrives in good form, beaten only a neck at Thirsk two weeks ago; 0-8 at York but has run well here on several occasions; should be thereabouts.

7/1

14/1

Form: 801462 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly in lower grades, creditable second at Hamilton (6f, good to soft) most recently; something to prove back at a better level, as his Class 3 record is unconvincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(4)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Ramon Di Loria

9st 9lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Prolific winner down the years, adding two AW handicaps to his haul in February; arrives in good form but he was no match for Imperial Guard here last week and the turnaround in the weights may be insufficient.

6/1

2nd

4

(1)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:00 Ayr

Ramon Di Loria

9st 10lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Safely held on consecutive 6f starts this spring but placed twice since returned to 7f, latterly in C&D (good) contest won by Jkr Cobbler three weeks ago; 2lb higher today but probably won't be far away.

8/1

3rd

5

(10)

5th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

17:35 Ayr

Ramon Di Loria

9st 11lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Safely held on consecutive 6f starts this spring but looked back in good nick when close third at Musselburgh (7f, good; just behind Monhammer) on Tuesday and remains on a good mark; shortlisted.

6/1

20/1

Form: -70770 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well treated on best form for previous trainers; however, current mark reflects the unconvincing results he has produced for current stable; revival is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Fools Rush In

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Gained his second C&D success when winning off a 2lb higher mark in February but he's been down the field in four starts since, including when missing the break at Lingfield 27 days ago; return to form is needed.

8/1

10th

4

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

16:42 Lingfield (AW)

Fools Rush In

9st 7lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Ruth Carr

Well short of his best on his last three starts but he won off this mark at Southwell in early February (7f); capable on a good day but this isn't sure to be run to suit.

14/1

Form: -18123 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Better than ever for new yard this term, including wins over 6f on soft ground at Redcar and Ripon; solid efforts at latter course (good/good to firm) the last twice; may still have more progress in him; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(5)

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:10 Catterick

Twelfth Knight

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

Tumbled down the weights last year before undergoing wind surgery; was inclined to pull hard and didn't see it out on his Tapeta comeback, and the suspicion is he'll be back at some point.

12/1

9th

7

(5)

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:10 Catterick

Twelfth Knight

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

in rear throughout

12/1

5th

1

(10)

29th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Twelfth Knight

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, weakened inside final furlong

10/1

10/1

Form: 623355 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Last two races haven't panned out favourably and it's likely he remains in form; four starts at Ayr (good/good to soft) include two wins over 7f and an unlucky third over 6f; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(10)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

15:30 Ayr

Abduction

10st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Multiple wins include three over C&D earlier in his career; has run well on occasions since a narrow Musselburgh win (7f, good) in April off this mark and a recent never-nearer third of eight there under Jake Dickson puts him in this picture; yard runs three.

5/1

3rd

2

(5)

30th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

16:00 Musselburgh

Abduction

9st 3lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

C&D win off this mark in April; mixed since but his latest third at Ayr (6f, soft) was a sound effort and today he has the assistance of an apprentice who is good value for his 7lb claim; high on the list.

5/1

3rd

8

(3)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Abduction

9st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins this year, the latest off this mark at Musselburgh (7f, good) in April; penultimate Hamilton seventh suggested he was still in good form; no surprise to see him in the thick of it.

12/1

25/1

Form: -71100 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Had an excuse (major traffic issues) at Beverley when bidding for a 5f hat-trick; 6f winner in the past but failed to show his form back over this trip last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(7)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

Jordan Electrics

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Not won since his stellar campaign in 2024 but there has been promise this year, including at Hamilton on Friday; 2lb lower today and now sports cheekpieces for the first time; chance.

9/2

3rd

6

(4)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Jordan Electrics

9st 1lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

10yo who is winless since August 2024 and needs to improve upon his last few performances; however, he's a nine-time course winner, including this race in 2024, and his reduced mark appeals on form as recent as this May; not discounted.

10/1

8th

4

(9)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Jordan Electrics

10st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Regressive 10yo who has not won since 2024; ran well on consecutive 7f starts in April/May and is well handicapped on those efforts but recent sprint form has been below par.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £89.40
Straight Forecast £76.87
Tricast £2006.44
Trifecta £3833.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Manila Scouse

RP RATINGS:

Tinto

The Times:

Twelfth Knight

THE NORTH:

Abduction

Telegraph:

Thunder Roar

The Star:

Ramiro

D Express:

Twelfth Knight

TOPSPEED:

Manila Scouse

POSTDATA:

Manila Scouse

The Sun:

Manila Scouse

Daily Record:

Manila Scouse

Daily Mirror:

Abduction

The Guardian:

Tinto

Daily Mail:

Tinto