July 29 / 17.20 Ayr

17.20

Good

Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap

  • Prize money: £3663.8
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.80
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 559893 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
His form has deteriorated but his mark has fallen accordingly and he was a promising third at Doncaster (5f, good) recently in first-time blinkers (retained), when denied a clear run; another 1lb lower here; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(1)

25th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

16:45 Musselburgh

Zuffolo

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Back on song when third at Catterick (5f, good to firm) last month and he built on that to win at Ripon (5f, good to firm); he's gone up just 2lb for last time and could be a contender once more.

7/2

1st

2

(6)

27th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:40 Ripon

Zuffolo

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Has won six races and didn't shape too badly when third of nine at Catterick (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago; not out of this.

4/1

3rd

8

(1)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Catterick

Zuffolo

9st 5lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Back on track with second at Redcar (5f) in April but has finished down the field twice since; bounce back needed.

16/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 8-8519 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won with plenty to spare at Bath (5f, good) last month; down the field off his new mark at Doncaster subsequently but the soft ground may not have suited and he remains one to be interested in now back on a sound surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(10)

24th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:40 Beverley

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Handicapper had his say after an easy Nottingham win (2-2 there) early last month and this 5yo has been held since; often dropped in (may well be again from a wide stall) and would then be reliant on the race setting up for him, as well as some luck.

12/1

4th

9

(4)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Redcar

Frank The Spark

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Won at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July but that wasn't much of a race and he has not repeated the form; now wears cheekpieces; others preferred.

14/1

4

(2)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Thirsk

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Paul Midgley

Gained his fourth career success at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July and 6f will have been too far for him at York next time; however, he's still 7lb higher than for the win and others make more obvious appeal.

8/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 236521 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Twice runner-up this season (including on good to firm) and won at Hamilton (5f, good) 11 days ago; has won just two of his 30 starts but arrives in good form and is entitled to respect up just 3lb for last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(3)

19th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

15:30 Southwell (AW)

Cuban Rock

8st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Two-time winner on turf; unplaced in all six AW starts but there has been some promise on Tapeta at Newcastle; others more persuasive this time.

14/1

11th

11

(3)

19th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

15:30 Southwell (AW)

Cuban Rock

8st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Two-time winner on turf; unplaced in all six AW starts but there has been some promise on Tapeta at Newcastle; others more persuasive this time.

14/1

10

(7)

8th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cuban Rock

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Infrequent winner and unplaced in five AW runs; he hasn't run too badly over C&D the last twice, however, and Paul Mulrennan is back in the saddle tonight.

12/1

Form: 1-2325 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
In good form on AW (5f-7f) in March and returned from break with fair fifth over 5f here a fortnight ago; has won over C&D and he could build on that latest performance today; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Ayr

Water Of Leith

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Should be making a big impact off this mark and although he has been a shade underwhelming on turf this summer he has too much ability to leave out of calculations at this level.

6/1

5th

3

(7)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:45 Ayr

Water Of Leith

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Jim Goldie

12-time winner, three of them here (5f/6f); not beaten far on last two starts and is on a fair mark so could go well.

7/1

10/1

Form: 033488 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Three-time C&D winner who was in good form in May (including over C&D); however, she's finished merely eighth the last twice; needs something extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(5)

26th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

14:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Sixcor

9st 2lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Linda Perratt

Better strike-rate on turf than AW and beaten in a C&D classified on latest AW start; two midfield finishes on turf have followed, the latest on Monday, and others appeal more for win purposes.

7/1

6th

5

(6)

24th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

16:15 Musselburgh

Sixcor

9st 1lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Linda Perratt

Has been a grand servant to the yard with two of his nine wins coming over C&D; latest success came at Ayr (5f, good to firm) last month and he should not be far away.

7/1

6th

12

(3)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:45 Ayr

Sixcor

9st 0lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Linda Perratt

Scored over C&D (fifth course victory) in July and not discredited with fourth of six in 5f classified event at Wolverhampton ten day ago; very much one to consider back here.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 447322 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Close third at Carlisle (5f, good) on July 6th and he's been a good second here (6f, good) the next twice; can be bang there once more.
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

Form: 777

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
3yo whose dam was a five-time 7f course winner (RPR 77) and this fellow makes his handicap and Ayr debut; however, he's shown very little at Musselburgh and Hamilton across his first three starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

14

(4)

27th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Carlisle

Royal Duke

8st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: R Mike Smith

Scottish sprinter who rarely dips his toe over the border; scored at Ayr and Musselburgh last term but hasn't matched that this year, including when seventh of ten at Musselburgh on Monday; tries a new headgear combination.

16/1

7th

7

(1)

24th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

16:15 Musselburgh

Royal Duke

9st 0lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: R Mike Smith

Two of his three wins have been over C&D but losing run is mounting up; first-time tongue-tie could do with having a positive effect.

10/1

11th

12

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Ayr

Royal Duke

8st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

C&D winner; yet to strike in 2026 but he has slipped down the weights and his latest C&D fifth was encouraging, just beginning to launch a challenge when forced to switch; each-way shout.

14/1

40/1

Form: 987857 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Down to a basement mark but has raced nine times this year and finished no better than fifth; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(1)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:35 Redcar

Mews House

9st 0lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Rebecca Menzies

Without a win since May 2023 when previously trained by this yard and he's since dropped a long way in the weights; below his best at Catterick (6f, soft; first-time visor) a week ago and needs to get back on track.

16/1

6th

8

(9)

23rd Jul 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

17:00 Catterick

Mews House

8st 12lb

J: David Allan

T: Rebecca Menzies

Course record of 3-9 includes a nose defeat of Quercus off topweight in this race in 2022 (good to firm); 5lb wrong this time and effectiveness on soft or worse untested since September 2021; debuted visor no certainty to inspire, all seven wins having been gained free of headgear.

15/2

14/1

Form: 816786 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Won this last year and posted two wins earlier this term; can play a leading role if on song but that hasn't been the case on her last four runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(9)

24th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

16:15 Musselburgh

Ski Angel

9st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: R Mike Smith

Her last three wins have all been over C&D but she hasn't been firing recently; the return to this track for the first time this year needs to have an impact.

16/1

11th

13

(12)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:45 Ayr

Ski Angel

8st 12lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: R Mike Smith

Posted a good third over 5f here in June but she's beaten just one rival in two subsequent outings at Hamilton and back here; this course scorer needs to take a big step forward.

20/1

7th

7

(7)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

Ski Angel

8st 12lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: R Mike Smith

Dual C&D winner who had a near-miss at Wetherby (5.5f) last month but she failed to beat a rival at Hamilton last time; handles most ground but has a bit to prove again after that last run and others are more solid.

12/1

25/1

Form: 632996 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Beverley seller (5f, good to firm) in May but down the field in handicaps on her three starts since; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

11

(2)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:50 Thirsk

Ninety Nine

8st 9lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: John Wainwright

2-29; her best form is on soft, even heavy, ground; runner-up at Catterick (5f, soft) last October; hasn't offered much in four starts since, finishing seventh (two places behind Kyber Crystal) at odds of 50-1 at Carlisle latest.

33/1

7th

7

(9)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Redcar

Ninety Nine

9st 1lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: John Wainwright

Both wins have come on ground on the soft side of good, but she does handle good to firm; back off her last winning mark, but she finished over 20l behind Lady Bouquet on her Catterick reappearance 15 days ago; first-time blinkers replace the usual cheekpieces.

25/1

10th

6

(11)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Catterick

Ninety Nine

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: John Wainwright

Last season ended with two poor runs and she's without a win since October 2024; however, that came over C&D and her best performance last season also came here; not written off on her reappearance.

16/1

12/1

Form: 7-9085 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Two wins last summer (including C&D) and he's below his last winning mark; however, he's failed to shine this year and has to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(8)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:06 Newcastle (AW)

Borough

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

slowly away, always behind

14/1

10th

4

(8)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:06 Newcastle (AW)

Borough

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

slowly away, always behind

14/1

8th

4

(11)

11th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:35 Newcastle (AW)

Borough

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

dwelt start, towards rear

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £58.00
Straight Forecast £48.84
Tricast £255.82
Trifecta £297.60

Selections

POSTDATA:

Cuban Rock

RP RATINGS:

Water Of Leith

SPOTLIGHT:

Zuffolo

Daily Mail:

Ramon Di Loria

Daily Mirror:

Frank The Spark

Telegraph:

Cuban Rock

The Guardian:

Cuban Rock

Daily Record:

Cuban Rock

The Times:

Zuffolo

The Sun:

Ramon Di Loria

D Express:

Water Of Leith

The Star:

Water Of Leith