July 15 / 15.28 Ayr

15.28

Good

Fergie & Myra Happel Ayr Gold Cup Trial Handicap

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Fergie & Myra Happel Ayr Gold Cup Trial Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 3-4111 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Improving at a rate of knots, getting off the mark at Newcastle in January and adding handicap wins at Thirsk and York last month; both those wins were achieved in emphatic fashion and it seems unlikely a 9lb higher mark will prove beyond her; came from off the pace at York but has raced prominently so she's tactically versatile; in deeper against male opponents today but doubt she's reached her ceiling yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:50 Newmarket

Alfa Kellenic

9st 3lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ivan Furtado

Could do no wrong in handicaps as a 3yo, winning all five at 6f and 7f (good to firm and good to soft); had some excuses when only fifth in this last year (soft; favourite) and was entitled to need the run on her belated Ayr comeback last month for a new yard, albeit under the pump from some way out; could well be a lot sharper back on good ground.

9/2

6

(24)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Alfa Kellenic

9st 7lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ivan Furtado

Another success story in 2024, her smooth win in the Silver Cup completing a six-timer; subsequent Listed defeat at Newmarket (6f, soft; poor track position) is easy enough to excuse; highly likely this mark is still in range but it can't have been plain sailing for her to be reappearing so late in the campaign; remains a filly of interest but perhaps one for another day; first run for Ivan Furtado.

16/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 4-2222

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Four runs for new stable this year, finishing second on each occasion (all 6f, ground ranging from heavy to good to firm); cheekpieces certainly no hindrance at Doncaster 16 days ago; creeping up the weights but should remain competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

20:05 Doncaster

Mythical Phoenix

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Julie Camacho

A solid run when fourth in this race (good) last year but he struggled subsequently, with slow starts also becoming a feature; handicapped to be competitive if a 174-day break has freshened him up.

18/1

25

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Mythical Phoenix

9st 8lb

T: Julie Camacho

8th

1

(4)

18th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ayr

Mythical Phoenix

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Julie Camacho

Overall record of 1-14 but he finished runner-up five times last season and is well treated on the pick of that form; returned after wind surgery with an encouraging fourth at Doncaster (6f, good) in June but he was disappointing at Thirsk last month and needs to bounce back after that; cheekpieces removed.

5/1

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 636974 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Retains ability but rather going through the motions this summer, yet to encounter the testing ground that he excelled on last season; ran well in this race 12 months ago (stable debut) and his handicap mark has tumbled so a revival probably isn't far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

2nd

1

(4)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

19:50 Epsom

Aberama Gold

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: David O’Meara

Not the force of old but won off 2lb higher at Catterick (6f, good) in April and beat his group when fifth overall in 14-runner Ayr handicap (6f, soft) last month; also suited by fast ground; can make his presence felt.

7/2

5th

7

(10)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Aberama Gold

10st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Three-time C&D winner; successful at Catterick (6f, good) in April but held in more competitive races since; not handicapped out of things but might prove vulnerable for win purposes.

10/1

Form: 82B622 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Proved a revelation on AW when blinkers went on and showed he can make an impact off his lower turf mark with seconds over C&D the last twice (good to firm); should remain competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(9)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

The Caltonian

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Linda Perratt

Useful on AW on his day but 0-21 on turf; handicapped accordingly but his latest C&D 12th didn't suggest he was the answer to today's puzzle.

25/1

12th

13

(7)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

The Caltonian

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Linda Perratt

Belied 100-1 odds when respectable fifth of 14 off his much higher AW mark at Newcastle (6f) last week but has 0-20 strike-rate on turf; others have more persuasive profiles.

20/1

5th

10

(11)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

The Caltonian

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Linda Perratt

Swept through from off the pace to win a good C&D handicap in January; well beaten in two runs since and surprising if there weren't a few stronger in this field.

25/1

Form: 20-420 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Good second at Southwell in April but that is sandwiched by lesser efforts on slow ground, albeit in useful 3yo handicaps; returning to a sound surface should suit and the market strength behind him on his reappearance suggests he's thought to be useful; not ruled out now taking on older rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(2)

17th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:15 Doncaster

Twilight Romance

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: John & Sean Quinn

He had been threatening something bigger earlier in the year and things finally clicked when the well-backed winner of a Leicester handicap three weeks ago (6f, good); hasn't been missed with a 6lb rise but there aren't many pace influences in the field and he should go very well again.

9/4

2

(2)

17th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:15 Doncaster

Twilight Romance

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: John & Sean Quinn

He had been threatening something bigger earlier in the year and things finally clicked when the well-backed winner of a Leicester handicap three weeks ago (6f, good); hasn't been missed with a 6lb rise but there aren't many pace influences in the field and he should go very well again.

9/4

1st

4

(1)

26th Apr 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Leicester

Twilight Romance

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Sean Quinn

Hadn't been enjoying the rub of the green on AW and a change of tactics was employed at Newmarket 11 days ago (hood left off); unable to sustain the strong pace on that occasion but this is weaker and he has the assistance of Oisin Murphy in the saddle for the first time; faster ground in his favour too so there are grounds for optimism.

9/2

Form: 111153 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
She has been a revelation since returned to Iain Jardine, winning six times since March including C&D; whether she can cope with this level of opposition remains to be seen though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

13:13 Newcastle (AW)

Catherine Chroi

9st 9lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

No AW win since March 2024; respectable showings, behind in-form rivals, over a range of trips (6f-1m) recently, without doing enough to suggest that she's primed to strike; drop back to 7f is helpful and she might have place possibilities; one of two for Iain Jardine.

8/1

9

(10)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

16:10 Catterick

Catherine Chroi

8st 12lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Won six times from seven starts between March and May last year, but losing run up to 22 and well held back with her former trainer at Newcastle (6f, AW; well backed) this month; enough to prove.

7/1

9

(10)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

16:10 Catterick

Catherine Chroi

8st 12lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Won six times from seven starts between March and May last year, but losing run up to 22 and well held back with her former trainer at Newcastle (6f, AW; well backed) this month; enough to prove.

7/1

7/1

Form: 512-71 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Progressive 2yo who took his form to a new level when narrowly landing a 6f handicap at Ripon last month (soft; cheekpieces for the first time); 3lb higher mark to defy but in a stronger race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(1)

5th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Chelmsford (AW)

Batal Zabeel

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

midfield

16/1

3rd

3

(1)

5th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Chelmsford (AW)

Batal Zabeel

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

midfield

16/1

7th

8

(9)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Batal Zabeel

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: James Tate

Two turf wins (in blinkers/cheekpieces) for previous yard; ran poorly, minus headgear, on debut for new stable but may rebound with visor now applied; not disgraced in sole AW attempt.

20/1

7/1

Form: 3-1023 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Improved performer this year, winning at Beverley on his reappearance (5f, soft) and performing with credit in two turf handicaps since (well held once on AW); another career best will be required to defy this mark but conditions won't faze him and he's one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

20

(21)

21st Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Dare To Hope

8st 13lb

J: Connor Murtagh

T: Richard Fahey

Strong at the finish when repelling stablemate Ramazan in the Great St Wilfrid five weeks ago; no obvious excuse when midfield at York off this mark one week later; stable may have stronger claims elsewhere.

25/1

7th

9

(3)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Dare To Hope

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

He had been bubbling away nicely prior to enjoying his finest hour in last week's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good), digging deep to hold off a smart stablemate; 6lb rise takes him into new territory but he ran well over C&D last month and there could be more improvement lurking.

15/2

1st

10

(16)

17th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Dare To Hope

8st 11lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

raced near side

15/2

Form: 4-8776 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Consistency not his strong suit but the talent is there, as when pouncing late at Newcastle (6f, AW) in November; races off a 4lb lower mark today and should be sharper with last month's Hamilton run behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

26th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Jump The Gun

9st 6lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Beaten about 2l when sixth of 16 at Ayr (6f, good to soft) last month but he's been below his best in two starts since (6f/7f); without a win since November 2023 and now steps back up to 1m for the first time in over three years; best watched.

12/1

9

(1)

11th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

14:30 Ayr

Jump The Gun

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Iain Jardine

Versatile trip-wise and was runner-up over 6f here (good) in April but he's not matched that form since and is now 0-21 since his last win in November 2023; stablemate of No Nay Nevermind.

14/1

4

(2)

28th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:30 Ayr

Jump The Gun

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Iain Jardine

Not easy to win with these days (last turf win was in August 2022); good C&D second in April; hasn't fared quite as well since, although fair run when 2.25l sixth of 16 over C&D three weeks ago.

9/1

10th
3 (11)
Tinto

8/1

Form: 2-0717 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Finished in midfield in this race last year before winning at Redcar (cheekpieces for the first time) and ending 2023 with a close second in the Ayr Silver Cup; retains ability, winning a small-field handicap at Thirsk in May, and last time can be excused after a messy start; a major positive today could be the appearance of cheekpieces for the first time this year.
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

Form: 080-69 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Historically takes a while to come to hand and two heavy defeats this year hardly a glowing endorsement for his chance today; he's down to a good mark though and the return of Paul Mulrennan in the saddle looks a plus; risky, but a big run wouldn't be a complete surprise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(9)

19th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Ayr

Call Me Ginger

9st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

towards rear

12/1

1

(9)

28th Aug 2024

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 5

17:05 Musselburgh

Call Me Ginger

9st 11lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

17lb lower than when winning at Ascot last September (5f, good to firm; completing a quick double) having been badly out of form since; usually ridden by Amie Waugh; down to Class 5 in a handicap for the first time.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £20.40
Straight Forecast £17.78
Tricast £82.23
Trifecta £86.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Alfa Kellenic

TOPSPEED:

Batal Zabeel

The Guardian:

The Caltonian

The Times:

Mythical Phoenix

RP RATINGS:

Alfa Kellenic

Telegraph:

Alfa Kellenic

Daily Mirror:

Alfa Kellenic

The Sun:

Alfa Kellenic

POSTDATA:

Batal Zabeel

Daily Mail:

Batal Zabeel

D Express:

Batal Zabeel

Daily Record:

Batal Zabeel

The Star:

The Caltonian