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
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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

4th

6

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who was recording his 12th win at the track when leading close home over 1m5f last week; able to race off a 3lb lower mark today and he has to be of interest from a handicapping perspective.

5/1

1st

6

(3)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Glasses Up

8st 4lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Long in the tooth now and needs to better his recent efforts but was close third off 4lb higher at Hamilton (1m1f, good to firm) in May and is probably better suited by today's trip; can't rule out.

10/1

5th

3

(1)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:25 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who last May gained a ninth C&D win; his more recent form is not so encouraging, though, just fifth of eight over C&D 16 days ago; needs to bounce back.

20/1

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