Keith Melrose analyses the Ayr Gold Cup - and believes one is 'on his way to another big day out'

The Ayr Gold Cup is not only the biggest prize in sprint handicapping, it is also an annual health check on the division. While other races, even the Stewards' Cup, lose their consolation races, Ayr can take heart from still being able to fill three 24-runner sprints.

The story from the main race is not quite so positive. The floor on the Ayr Gold Cup has been trending downwards for a few years now. The days of needing a BHA mark close to 100 to get a run are over. Low 90s is standard now.

The theory was that getting lower-rated horses in races like the Ayr Gold Cup would make it more competitive. That is probably true, as recent years have shown a bump in the number of three-year-olds getting a run. However, the sprinting herd is now thinner, something noticeable from those rated around 90 all the way up to Group 1s.