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

3

(8)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

Aberama Gold

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Prolific winner, mainly over 6f, the latest when 2lb higher at Catterick (6f, good) in April; went close when on this mark in successive starts last month, before a below-par effort in a big-field York sprint latest; player if he can bounce back.

7/1

20th

6

(18)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Aberama Gold

9st 7lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

C&D winner; runner-up on his last two starts but this is more competitive and more minor money may be his best hope.

10/1

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

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

8th

2

(7)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ripon

Thunder Roar

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Far from convincing on 2026 form and chance partly depends on the actions of the weather; may prove resurgent when he's back on ideal ground, namely soft/heavy; on last winning mark.

14/1

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

12th

2

(4)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

American Affair

10st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Said goodbye to handicaps when winning over C&D in May 2025 and just two runs later he won the Group 1 King Charles III at Royal Ascot (good to firm; handles good to soft); off the track for nearly a year after and he's been slowly working his way back to form since, looking more his old self when winning a Group 2 at Glorious Goodwood latest; a likely force.

7/1

1st

2

(9)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

American Affair

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) last June then missed the rest of the season; mixed form this year but he showed spark when second to Night Raider at Haydock in May and today's expected frenetic gallop will be right up his street; not ruled out.

11/1

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

12th

13

(10)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Manila Scouse

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Back to winning ways at Ayr (6f) in July but well below par both runs since and he failed to beat a rival in Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last time; needs to take a major step forward.

33/1

14th

10

(13)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Manila Scouse

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

0-5 at Ripon but he has run well here; back near his best when seeing off 16 rivals at Ayr last month but a subsequent Hamilton run (5f) was underwhelming; still feasibly weighted despite being 1lb wrong but he is another who would make more appeal on a slower surface.

16/1

10th

10

(2)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Manila Scouse

9st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Running well this year, including close third to Vantheman over C&D in May, and he posted a deserved win in a big field at Ayr (6f, good) 26 days ago; raised 5lb but he was very competitive off similar marks in 2024.

9/1

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

4th

8

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:15 Hamilton

Abduction

9st 8lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

A dual 7f winner early in 2026 and he's holding his form well, beaten a nose when second of five in 7f Ayr handicap 25 days ago; this C&D scorer can make his presence felt.

13/2

2nd

2

(6)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Abduction

10st 0lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Has won twice over 7f this year, the first at Newcastle in January, the latest at Musselburgh in April (good); creditable third on last three starts, latest over C&D three weeks ago; each-way chance.

7/1

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

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

10th

9

(1)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Jordan Electrics

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Cheekpieces on for the first time when ending a long losing sequence at Ayr (6f) in July; backed it up with a good third of 11 at Hamilton (5f) a week ago; must enter calculations back up to 6f with headgear retained.

14/1

3rd

7

(12)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

18:45 Hamilton

Jordan Electrics

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Jim Goldie

Had first-time cheekpieces (retained) when making all at Ayr (5f, good to firm) a month ago for his first win in a while; put back up 4lb but still has handicapping scope if the headgear works again.

4/1

+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