'This is his trip' - Easterby dreaming of Ayr Gold Cup with trial winner Snash

Monday: Ayr

Tim Easterby swerved the racecourse in favour of a day at the beach but still enjoyed success when Snash won the Ayr Gold Cup Trial.

Despite not being on hand to witness the four-year-old's commanding victory, Easterby was thrilled to uncover a live contender for the Ayr Gold Cup on September 17.

"He's a lovely horse," Easterby said. "My son William bought him last year at the October sales off Charlie Hills. He got a mile in the Thirsk Hunt Cup quite well and got seven furlongs too, but we decided to drop back to six and I really think this is his trip."

Easterby is yet to land Ayr's feature contest but looks to have found a leading candidate in Snash, who prevailed by half a length under David Allan.

The North Yorkshire-based trainer won the consolation Silver Cup in 2021 with Staxton but holds ambitions to go one better this year.

"Snash is very straightforward and we'll head back to Ayr in September for the Gold Cup meeting, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"I don't mind which one he gets into but I'd like to win the Gold Cup and he seems like just the right one for it."

Journey justified

John Wainwright braved the hot weather for a 215-mile journey from his Yorkshire base, a trip that was rewarded as Biplane took the 7f handicap in thrilling fashion.

Biplane and Callum Rodriguez (left) swoop to success at AyrCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Wainwright trains just seven horses but secured his fifth success of the year as Callum Rodriguez got his mount up in the final stride, snatching victory by a nose.

Results, replays and analysis

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