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

3rd

1

(2)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Multiple winner down the years and gained his most recent success (narrowly, three starts ago) off current mark; subsequent dip in form is the negative.

12/1

11th

1

(15)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Getting on but retains a lot of his old ability, is still consistent enough and has won over C&D before; rare off-day at Thirsk a fortnight ago, having beating a subsequent winner in a small field off 1lb lower previously; quite capable of bouncing back.

12/1

6th

2

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Retains a large portion of his ability despite his advanced years and took advantage of a reduced mark at Cattterick (6f, good) ten days ago; only nudged up 1lb for that narrow success.

7/2

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

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

14th

5

(6)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Tinto

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Won the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 2lb higher mark; looked booked for another good season when finishing fast for second over 5f here in May; struggled in three runs since but cheekpieces return today and Paul Mulrennan is back on board; big player.

14/1

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

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

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

10th

3

(12)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

American Affair

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Has built up a good strike rate over 5f/5.5f and registered a neck success at Royal Ascot (good to firm) upped to Group 1 level when last seen; landed a handicap at this meeting 12 months ago; very progressive and has possibilities provided he's as effective back at 6f.

9/1

1

(16)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

American Affair

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Made outstanding progress in 5f handicaps and the way he raced to the front at York (good to firm) in May showed that a switch to Group company wouldn't be at all fanciful; unable to show what he was made of behind Mgheera in a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good) since, as a gap shut as he was about to go through it, and he remains one to keep on the right side.

14/1

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

2nd

14

(14)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Manila Scouse

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

His last win came over C&D last July (good; off 1lb higher) and he stayed on for a close third at Hamilton (5f, good) a fortnight ago; could build on that latest performance now back up in trip; firmly in calculations.

10/1

3rd

10

(12)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

17:15 Hamilton

Manila Scouse

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

May have needed his recent comeback from six months off at his age (cracked late on having raced prominently from a low stall over 6f round Chester); 2lb below his last successful mark and has won here before but David Allan has opted for Vince L'Amour.

12/1

7th

12

(2)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Manila Scouse

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

On a competitive mark with a handy inside draw but he is returning from a seven month absence and his connections are also represented by Miraculous.

8/1

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

3rd

7

(4)

30th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

16:12 Catterick

Ramon Di Loria

8st 6lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Ewan Whillans

Multiple AW and turf winner from 5f-7f; back on his last winning turf mark from Ayr 13 months ago (has twice won on AW since); below par latest but not ruled out if able to bounce back.

10/1

6th

9

(3)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

17:07 Southwell (AW)

Ramon Di Loria

9st 2lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Won twice (6f/7f) in February and he was a good second to a thriving rival over C&D in his bid for a hat-trick; beaten off a lower mark twice since and more minor money perhaps his best hope.

8/1

5th

9

(6)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ramon Di Loria

9st 1lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Dual course winner last month who's continued in form since, faring best of those held up when not far behind Bomb Squad over C&D on Friday; one of the likelier winners.

4/1

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

7th

9

(11)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Abduction

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Won over C&D off this mark last summer but does most racing now over further and wants a good test at this trip; said to have run flat last time but does have his good and bad days now for a yard responsible for two others; 2-4 for Kaiya Fraser.

12/1

8th

9

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Abduction

9st 0lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Newcastle (7f, AW) in January and close fourth at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in February before winning over this C&D (good) a fortnight ago; it was a tight finish but he's gone up just 2lb; again in calculations.

9/2

1st

7

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

Abduction

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

6lb lower than when winning from a poor draw at Chester (7.6f, good to firm) last August and just 1lb higher than when successful at Newcastle (7f, AW) in January; ran well when a close fourth of 12 at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) last time and capable of playing a part; stable also runs Kelpie Grey.

7/1

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

5th

3

(11)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Jordan Electrics

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jim Goldie

Spent last year in the grip of the handicapper after seven wins in 2024; more leniently treated now and ran respectably when sixth of 28 in the 7f Victoria Cup at Ascot; seemed unsuited by drop back to 5f next time; this intermediate trip is probably ideal these days and he commands respect.

10/1

9th

1

(9)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

17:15 Hamilton

Jordan Electrics

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Nine course wins to his name from 22 starts here (3-7 over C&D); in good form of late, having spent last year in the grip of the handicapper, but that was over 7f and whether he still has the toe for 5f, at his age off this mark, is the question; yard also runs Woohoo.

6/1

6th

22

(27)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Jordan Electrics

9st 0lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Veteran who had raced only over sprint distances until a resurgent effort (second of 18) upped to 7f at Newmarket last time; goes back up in class and seems unlikely to land a Victoria Cup aged ten; gained last five wins, all in 2024, at Hamilton.

33/1

+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