July 20 / 15.30 Ayr

15.30

Good To Firm

Fergie & Myra Happel Ayr Gold Cup Trial Handicap

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

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 695483 CD

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Not won since his stellar campaign in 2024 but there has been promise this year, including at Hamilton on Friday; 2lb lower today and now sports cheekpieces for the first time; chance.
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

OUR TIP

9/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: -90145 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Running well in 6f handicaps this summer, beating a big field at York in May and running to a similar level in defeat twice since; no obvious reason why he wouldn't go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(4)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Lord Roxby

10st 0lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Gained a second success of 2026 at Ripon (6f) this month and backed it up with a good third of 14 in Great St Wilfrid there 13 days ago; well in the mix off the same mark.

8/1

3rd

6

(6)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Lord Roxby

8st 7lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

In good form this year, winning a big-field handicap at York (6f, good) in May and adding a C&D handicap 12 days ago (good ground; Dark Cloud Rising second); up 5lb in a stronger race and it could find him out.

7/1

1st

3

(2)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Lord Roxby

9st 5lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won in a big field at York (6f, good) in May and he's continued in good form, finishing second at Ayr (6f, good to firm) last time; key player.

11/4

7/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 67-103 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Made a winning stable debut at Pontefract (6f, good) in April; never featured at Epsom on Oaks day but he was back in form when third of ten at Thirsk 19 days ago; each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

(13)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Veblen Good

9st 13lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Made a winning start for this yard at Pontefract (6f) in April and has continued to run well; not seen to ideal effect when fourth of nine back there (6f) 12 days ago; very much one to consider.

10/1

4th

1

(3)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

Veblen Good

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won on stable/seasonal debut over C&D (good) in April and he ran really well in defeat last month, beaten only 1l when fourth of 21 at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago; solid contender.

5/2

4th

8

(6)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Veblen Good

9st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: David O’Meara

Made a winning stable debut at Pontefract (6f, good to firm) in April; two good 6f runs this month too but he will need to pull out more if he is to come out on top this afternoon.

33/1

6/1

Form: 230044 C BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Ran well over C&D on her penultimate start; 2-1 joint favourite for a 6f fillies' handicap at Carlisle 11 days ago, making some late headway into fourth; should run her race once again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(9)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:45 Hamilton

Dandy Magic

9st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Several creditable efforts this summer before getting back on the scoresheet with a strong finish over C&D (good; second-time cheekpieces) last week; this is tougher under a penalty but that was a personal best last time and she should get a good tow into this race; respected.

100/30

1st

13

(5)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Dandy Magic

8st 7lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Sole win on turf came at Ayr (5f, good to soft) last September; has ran to a similar level on her last four outings, most recently when third of nine at Ascot (5f, good to firm; first-time cheekpieces) 18 days ago; stepping back up in trip will suit and she's considered.

8/1

3rd

7

(8)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:12 Ascot

Dandy Magic

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jim Goldie

Solid efforts to finish fourth in each of her last three starts (6f, good or faster), running to a similar level on each occasion; Billy Loughnane takes over in the saddle and cheekpieces are now given a go; she'll need a good pace back at 5f if she is to come out on top.

7/1

Form: -10050 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:00 Redcar

The Caltonian

9st 7lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Linda Perratt

All his seven victories have come on the AW but he wasn't discredited with fourth of ten in 6f Newmarket handicap 15 days ago; not out of things eased 1lb.

11/2

4th

9

(2)

7th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:12 Newmarket (July)

The Caltonian

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Linda Perratt

Multiple AW winner; has shown most of his turf form at Ayr, not disgraced last time; 0-22 in this sphere, so the booking of Oisin Murphy (up for first time) needs to make a significant difference.

10/1

5th

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

Form: 35-016 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Ran well over C&D last September; beat 17 rivals when landing a Class 4 handicap at Ascot (6f, good to firm) in May but he was unable to build on it at Pontefract last month; perhaps vulnerable once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(10)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Azure Zain

10st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Doubled his tally at Ascot (6f) in May but has twice failed to back it up, only sixth of nine in 6f Ayr handicap last month; has a bit to prove now.

9/1

6th

5

(4)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

Azure Zain

9st 1lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ran well over C&D last September; beat 17 rivals when landing a Class 4 handicap at Ascot (6f, good to firm) in May but he was unable to build on it at Pontefract last month; perhaps vulnerable once more.

13/2

6th

5

(3)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Pontefract

Azure Zain

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prevailed narrowly in big field at Ascot (6f, good to firm) on return from break, opening his turf account; rested a further six weeks since, keeping him fresh; one of two last-time winners for his yard in this field; shortlisted.

5/1

Form: 953543 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
The bulk of his winning has been done on AW but he did win a 5f handicap at the Curragh last August; recent efforts need bettering but he would seem likely to give his running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(22)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:08 Curragh

Clonmacash

10st 2lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

Two AW wins this year during a busy campaign; sole turf win came here over 5f a year ago but below best in recent starts and remains 8lb above that last success.

25/1

5th

8

(8)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 205y

14:47 Naas

Clonmacash

9st 4lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Adrian McGuinness

Wins in his turn, albeit five of his six victories have been on AW; below par at Ayr last time, but solid runs in 6f turf handicaps earlier in the summer; this is start number 16 of the year.

11/1

7th

6

(1)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

Clonmacash

8st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Adrian McGuinness

The bulk of his winning has been done on AW but he did win a 5f handicap at the Curragh last August; recent efforts need bettering but he would seem likely to give his running.

5/1

Form: 305074 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Another who has a better strike-rate on AW than turf; not beaten far into fourth in a 5f handicap at Doncaster 17 days ago, a race where he fluffed the start; yet to shine at Ayr; one of three runners for Jim Goldie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

(6)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

18:45 Hamilton

Oriental Prince

8st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

Most wins on the AW but able on turf and stayed on well for second here 20 days ago (good; might not prefer it softer); this is a better race but he'll appreciate chasing a strong pace if ground conditions are suitable; 2lb out of the weights.

10/1

2nd

6

(3)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

20:00 Hamilton

Oriental Prince

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Another who has a better strike-rate on AW (7-19) than on turf (1-17); patchy form so far this year, but has dropped 3lb below his last winning mark and this is a drop in class; stable also runs Thunderstorm Katie.

7/1

8th

7

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

Oriental Prince

8st 10lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

Another who has a better strike-rate on AW than turf; not beaten far into fourth in a 5f handicap at Doncaster 17 days ago, a race where he fluffed the start; yet to shine at Ayr; one of three runners for Jim Goldie.

10/1

33/1

Form: 16-009 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in three handicaps for new stable this year, the latest over a mile nine days ago; latest 5lb drop in the weights is not enough to tempt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(5)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

Gentle George

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: R Mike Smith

Well beaten in three handicaps for new stable this year, the latest over a mile nine days ago; latest 5lb drop in the weights is not enough to tempt.

33/1

9th

13

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Gentle George

8st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: R Mike Smith

3yo who has been soundly beaten in handicaps this year on his first two runs for his new yard (7.5f then 5f; Royal Ascot latest); however, he was 2-4 in his 2yo campaign and a couple of rallying performances over 6f hinted that he may be suited by this sort of trip; may not be a forlorn hope.

33/1

18th

15

(26)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Gentle George

9st 0lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: R Mike Smith

Won a maiden at Sandown (5f, soft) and a novice at Haydock (6f, good to soft) for Mick Appleby as a 2yo; well-beaten 50-1 shot on stable debut at Chester (7.6f, good) last month; plenty to prove.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.60
Straight Forecast £12.52
Tricast £34.17
Trifecta £56.90

Selections

The Times:

Veblen Good

TOPSPEED:

Jordan Electrics

RP RATINGS:

Azure Zain

The Guardian:

Dandy Magic

SPOTLIGHT:

Lord Roxby

Daily Record:

Clonmacash

Telegraph:

Azure Zain

Daily Mail:

Veblen Good

Daily Mirror:

Veblen Good

The Sun:

Dandy Magic

D Express:

Lord Roxby

POSTDATA:

Jordan Electrics

The Star:

Jordan Electrics