2023 Ayr Gold Cup: the runners, the odds, the verdict
A big field will break from the stalls in the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup (3.35) on Saturday. Orazio heads the big-race betting, but who will land the spoils at Ayr? Here's our runner-by-runner guide to the famous sprint handicap.
2023 Ayr Gold Cup: the full list of horses and jockeys for Ayr
1 Summerghand
Last year's winner retains his ability but defying top weight will demand a huge effort
Trainer: David O'Meara
Jockey: Danny Tudhope
Forecast odds: 10-1
2 Rohaan
Powers have looked on the wane this year but a strongly run 6f suits ideally; could revive
Trainer: David Evans
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Forecast odds: 11-1
3 Fast Response
Mudlark who was flourishing last autumn; good second in Listed event latest; rain would help
Trainer: Karl Burke
Jockey: Brandon Wilkie (7)
Forecast odds: 12-1
4 Northern Express
Good progress this year but just a nagging concern he'll get going too late dropped to 6f
Trainer: Michael Dods
Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Forecast odds: 14-1
5 Desert Cop
Case can be made on this year's best but finishing effort was tame at York two weeks ago
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: PJ McDonald
Forecast odds: 40-1
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6 Montassib
First 6f run since debut but some of this year's 7f efforts stack up well; one to consider
Trainer: William Haggas
Jockey: Cieren Fallon
Forecast odds: 18-1
7 Orazio
Looked a star in the making in the spring; beaten favourite in major handicaps since; contender
Trainer: Charlie Hills
Jockey: Jim Crowley
Forecast odds: 7-1f
8 Gweedore
Been a star for connections but hard to believe he's well enough treated on first 6f run
Trainer: Katie Scott
Jockey: William Pyle (5)
Forecast odds: 33-1
9 Aberama Gold
Only 5lb higher than for his decisive Stewards' Cup win but he's run poorly twice since
Trainer: David O'Meara
Jockey: Mark Winn (3)
Forecast odds: 20-1
10 Escobar
Came into the race in much better form when eighth last year; tough going this time round
Trainer: David O'Meara
Jockey: David Allan
Forecast odds: 40-1
11 Gorak
Handicapper firmly in command since his close fourth in a Haydock Group 3 in June
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes
Jockey: Mikkel Mortensen (7)
Forecast odds: 66-1
12 Albasheer
Bubbling away prior to York win last month (dead-heated); this test could suit him well
Trainer: Archie Watson
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Forecast odds: 11-1
13 Ramazan
On the up over 7f this summer; not fully exposed but drop back to 6f not sure to suit
Trainer: Richard Fahey
Jockey: Oisin Orr
Forecast odds: 14-1
14 Bielsa
Won this in 2021 off 1lb lower; as good as ever this year; capable of another big run
Trainer: Kevin Ryan
Jockey: Rowan Scott
Forecast odds: 14-1
15 Juan Les Pins
NON-RUNNER
Trainer: Mick Appleby
Jockey: Alistair Rawlinson
Forecast odds: N/A
16 Lethal Levi
Drawn a blank this year but retains ability; visor given a shot here; not without hope
Trainer: Karl Burke
Jockey: Clifford Lee
Forecast odds: 16-1
17 Magical Spirit
2020 Silver Cup winner; in good heart in spring; can go well but vulnerable for the win
Trainer: Kevin Ryan
Jockey: Tom Eaves
Forecast odds: 18-1
18 Mr Wagyu
Drawn a blank this year but he's run well in several top sprints; each-way claims again
Trainer: John Quinn
Jockey: Jason Hart
Forecast odds: 12-1
19 Aleezdancer
Ran a stormer from a bad draw in the Stewards' Cup; chance increased by any rain
Trainer: Kevin Ryan
Jockey: Shane Gray
Forecast odds: 9-1
20 Probe
Spring form brings him right into it; levelled off since but conditions should suit
Trainer: Jennie Candlish
Jockey: Frederick Larson (3)
Forecast odds: 18-1
21 Paws For Thought
Reeled off a hat-trick after wind surgery; excuses the last twice; should outrun his odds
Trainer: Donald McCain
Jockey: Robert Whearty (5)
Forecast odds: 22-1
22 Significantly
Back to form for new yard; fair chance on the back of last week's near miss at Doncaster
Trainer: Julie Camacho
Jockey: Joe Fanning
Forecast odds: 9-1
23 Mondammej
Retains some ability but debatable he's in the form needed to take this
Trainer: Antony Brittain
Jockey: Cam Hardie
Forecast odds: 50-1
24 Lequinto
Better than ever this year but this looks far too competitive
Trainer: Tony Carroll
Jockey: Connor Beasley
Forecast odds: 66-1
25 It Just Takes Time
Handicapper firmly on top since his Ripon win in June
Trainer: Mark Walford
Jockey: Dougie Costello
Forecast odds: 50-1
Verdict: our top Ayr Gold Cup betting tip
By Paul Smith
It is a measure of Orazio's reputation that he has been the ante-post favourite for this race despite defeats in top sprint handicaps the last twice. The ground should be fine for him today and he can run well, while the usual suspects Mr Wagyu (second choice), Summerghand, Albasheer and Bielsa can all feature. If Rohaan is to revive it's likely to be over this trip in a well-run race but this may well be the day for ALEEZDANCER (nap) to strut his stuff. Drawn on the wrong side in the Stewards' Cup, he will relish the recent rain and his trainer, who has won this race five times, has done well to get him here just 2lb higher than for his emphatic Doncaster win in the spring. Probe and Paws For Thought can go well of those at bigger odds.
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Read these next:
Confirmed runners and riders for the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup - plus a big-race tip and free bet
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