July 08 / 15.30 Ayr

15.30

Good

Book For The Ayr Gold Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £3663.8
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Book For The Ayr Gold Cup Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 372233 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Consistent this year; ties in with Berry Edge and Highwaygrey on Carlisle effort (penultimate run); getting little respite from the assessor but again has place possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(9)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

17:25 Newcastle (AW)

We Still Believe

8st 10lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Daragh Bourke

On a long losing run (last win was at Ayr in July 2024) but he has run a few creditable races this year; has a bit to find with Royal Blaze on their C&D form last month.

20/1

5th

5

(9)

26th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

We Still Believe

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Daragh Bourke

Triple course winner (1m/1m2f) but his last success was 14 months ago and he struggled here last time; on dangerous mark but he's been hard to predict this season and others are preferred.

20/1

10th

3

(1)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:40 Newcastle (AW)

We Still Believe

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Daragh Bourke

Not disgraced when third of eight to Jewel Maker in 1m Carlisle handicap a week ago; this C&D winner is one for the shortlist.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £5.60

Form: -36677

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
3yo maiden whose form has dipped since being gelded (consistent previously); well handicapped on best efforts but doesn't look poised to open his account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

29th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

20:40 Windsor

Rich Harry

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

13-race maiden; returned to form when dropped to this grade at Ayr (1m2f) three weeks ago, finishing second; rather exposed but may have a Class 6 event in him.

4/1

2nd

10

(11)

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Rich Harry

9st 2lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

3yo maiden whose form has dipped since being gelded (consistent previously); well handicapped on best efforts but doesn't look poised to open his account.

14/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4698-4 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Losing spell goes back to his C&D success (off 16lb higher) two years ago but returns to Ayr looking attractively handicapped; interesting with Hamilton reappearance under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

10th

8

(1)

22nd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:39 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Has never attempted this far on the AW before, but he has run well over similar trips on turf; losing run of 31 is a concern, though.

10/1

OUR TIP

13/2

Form: 80-401 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Got up close home to beat Highwaygrey at Carlisle (1m1f, good to soft) last month on third start for new yard; likely to remain competitive, having gained his other win (in 2021) off 3lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Wetherby

Berry Edge

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: David Thompson

Three-time Flat winner (including on good to soft) who got off the mark over hurdles at the seventh attempt over C&D (soft) last month; he did it comfortably and an 8lb rise may not stop him if he can back up that effort.

9/2

1st

7

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Wetherby

Berry Edge

10st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: David Thompson

3-34 on the Flat and took a step forward in this headgear combination at Catterick (1m7f, soft) latest in his third handicap hurdle, finishing third of five; however, was 7l behind runner-up Voodoo Angel so has work to do.

8/1

3rd

5

30th Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 5

16:23 Catterick

Berry Edge

10st 10lb

J: Jack Power

T: David Thompson

3-34 on Flat; lightly raced over hurdles and soundly beaten in November in first two handicaps in this code (2m1f, soft); the reapplied cheekpieces and first-time tongue-tie could help but others have more pressing claims.

16/1

13/2

Form: -54526 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Multiple 1m2f winner, mostly off higher marks; best effort this term when close second to Berry Edge at Carlisle (1m1f) on penultimate start; enters calculations dropped to Class 6.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

6th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 6

14:30 Pontefract

Highwaygrey

10st 9lb

J: Mrs Emily Roberts

T: Tim Easterby

Needs to be delivered late off a strong pace to be at his best and it's not worked out for him this season, including in three races at Pontefract where he has a good record; continues to creep down the weights.

11/2

4th

4

(5)

15th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

15:30 Beverley

Highwaygrey

9st 13lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

9yo who has been a grand servant to the yard with nine wins but he's not so good as he once was; needs to be delivered late off a strong pace to be at his best; now on a career-low mark and others preferred.

10/1

10/1

Form: 78-365 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Seven-time course winner, most recently off 3lb higher last August; far from consistent since but the 9yo has a fighting chance provided he runs to form; placed over C&D in April.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Glasses Up

8st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: R Mike Smith

11yo who was a close third over 1m1f at Ayr two starts ago and is versatile trip-wise; however, Ayr brings out the best in him and he was well beaten at Musselburgh last time; 0-4 here, with last visit coming last June.

25/1

5th

3

(5)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won at this track but who is better known for his exploits at Ayr; solid third at that track 16 days ago (1m1f, good to firm); shouldn't be far away if backing it up.

4/1

3rd

7

(3)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won 11 times here, including three last year (1m2f/1m5f); on a good mark and should come on for his run at Musselburgh last week; contender.

13/2

Form: 518-5

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Raced only four times; 1m win last October; dam's side suggests she should stay 1m2f; failed to get home over this trip on reappearance but may improve with the outing under her belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(10)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:40 Newcastle (AW)

Volcanology

9st 3lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Won a 1m Brighton maiden in October 2023 (good to firm); mixed form at up to 1m2f this term; on a good mark; each-way chance.

7/1

8th

9

(10)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:40 Newcastle (AW)

Volcanology

9st 3lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Won a 1m Brighton maiden in October 2023 (good to firm); mixed form at up to 1m2f this term; on a good mark; each-way chance.

7/1

4th

6

(2)

11th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

15:50 Newcastle (AW)

Volcanology

9st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Not the only runner who posted duck eggs the last twice and needs to rebound; inconsistent since maiden win last autumn but best form gives her a fighting chance off current mark.

10/1

8th
2 (10)
Ayr Poet

14/1

Form: 5-3270 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Five-time course scorer; comfortably held in much better races the last twice and should benefit from the return to Class 6; has a respectable strike-rate (8-24) in this grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(2)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Ayr Poet

9st 3lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

All 13 wins have come elsewhere but he does have course form and he did so well when going close at Ayr (1m1f, good to firm) last week; however, he's now 6lb higher than his September win which might be a step too far.

9/2

2nd

9

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 4

14:42 Ayr

Ayr Poet

8st 12lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Rounded off last season with a game win here (1m Class 5, good to soft; from 4lb lower), that his 13th win; struggled in a competitive Sunday Series Handicap at Musselburgh 24 days ago, and it might be a similar story here; stablemate of Pearl Eye and Motawaared.

40/1

12th

8

(12)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Ayr Poet

9st 6lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Jim Goldie

11yo who was as good as ever last season, winning three times, including at Ayr in September when last season; this two-time course winner is not ruled out on his return but there's a suspicion he'll improve for the run.

16/1

Form: 025

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Best effort in 1m maidens when second here (good) in April; pedigree suggests he's worth a crack at this longer distance; may be capable of progress now handicapping and back at Ayr.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(2)

28th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Racing Vicar

9st 6lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Lucinda Russell

Modest six-race maiden; perhaps needed his return to action at Newcastle three weeks ago but others in the field have more compelling claims.

12/1

8th

3

(2)

28th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Racing Vicar

9st 6lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Lucinda Russell

Modest six-race maiden; perhaps needed his return to action at Newcastle three weeks ago but others in the field have more compelling claims.

12/1

4th

8

(8)

8th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:03 Newcastle (AW)

Racing Vicar

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Lucinda Russell

took keen hold, prominent, led over 2f out, drifted left and headed inside final furlong, weakened quickly final 110yds

16/1

16/1

Form: 4265-7

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
4yo maiden who looks well treated on bits of form; trailed home last of seven at Hamilton (1m3f) on stable/seasonal debut, however, and needs to leave that effort well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(5)

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Hondo

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Lucinda Russell

4yo maiden who looks well treated on bits of form; trailed home last of seven at Hamilton (1m3f) on stable/seasonal debut, however, and needs to leave that effort well behind.

16/1

5

(6)

19th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 5

15:30 Hamilton

Hondo

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Lucinda Russell

Bought for 12,500gns out of Roger Fell's yard in October; showed some promise last term, notably when second in a Catterick novice in August (1m4f, good to soft); could go well on stable/seasonal debut.

11/2

5th

3

(1)

24th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 5

17:10 Hamilton

Hondo

9st 8lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Six-race maiden; has performed respectably at 1m-1m4f a few times this season; lesser effort over 1m6f most recently; not progressing thus far but has possibilities if taking well to first-time headgear.

7/1

40/1

Form: 665/0

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Has very weak claims on form; trailed home last of 13 at Hamilton (1m; handicap debut) most recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(2)

24th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:45 Newcastle (AW)

Bellslea

8st 11lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: R Mike Smith

Offered little since returning from a 950-day absence in April; new headgear today.

66/1

6th

6

(5)

9th Aug 2024

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 6

15:20 Musselburgh

Bellslea

8st 4lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: R Mike Smith

led, cajoled along before halfway, pushed along and headed 5f out

50/1

8th

2

(5)

23rd Jul 2024

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

15:15 Musselburgh

Bellslea

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: R Mike Smith

Lightly raced 5yo who has been well beaten this summer in his first two handicaps (1m/1m2f) and would be a surprise winner today.

33/1

Non-runners

Braes Of Doune

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £125.00
Straight Forecast £106.50
Tricast £648.15
Trifecta £997.00

Selections

Telegraph:

Braes Of Doune

The Guardian:

We Still Believe

RP RATINGS:

Tilsitt

SPOTLIGHT:

Highwaygrey

Daily Mail:

Volcanology

NEWMARKET:

Rich Harry

Daily Mirror:

Berry Edge

D Express:

Ayr Poet

The Times:

Glasses Up

The Star:

Braes Of Doune

The Sun:

We Still Believe

Daily Record:

Tilsitt

POSTDATA:

Highwaygrey