Ayr Gold Cup betting and odds

All eyes will be on Scotland this weekend as the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup takes centre stage with 27 runners expected to do battle over the sharp 6f, writes Mikey Mumford. Pepper Lane is currently the market leader for trainer David O’Meara after winning her last three handicaps. However, there are several contenders queuing in behind to put an end to her four-timer and look out for those bookmakers paying out on five places.

Ayr Gold Cup runners

Regal Parade Winner of this race in 2008 for Dandy Nicholls but has struggled to hit top gear so far this year. Made no impression at York last time over 7f but does seem better at slightly shorter and is one of only a handful in the race with previous course and distance winning form. It will be interesting to see which way he goes in the market.

Hawkeyethenoo Trainer bidding to become first to saddle winner of this race in 36 years and his representative does have a good record at Ayr. He was impressive in the Victoria Cup at Ascot where he won going away and a repeat of that performance would put him bang there. Has won over a little bit further but 6f will suit and everything in place for a bold bid.

Tajneed Been largely disappointing the last twice but ran a cracker behind Hoof It at York in July after being help up early on. Done all his winning on good and good to soft so would appreciate a little cut in the ground and chances if putting his best foot forward.

Pepper Lane Clinging on to favouritism but up and coming trainer has had a good year so far and the nature of his last three wins were most impressive. Particularly at Ripon last time where he made all from stall 17 and had the beating of quite a few of the rivals he will face here. Has easily the best recent form on offer and major chance of completing four-timer.

Eton Rifles Handsome winner at Goodwood on his penultimate run and came up a little short last time after he led 2f out. However, he is a largely consistent performer and another who wouldn’t mind the ground running a little soft. Will probably have to settle for minor honours rather than win purposes.

Mac’s Power Tough sort who is often in the thick of things and has run some creditable races in defeat this year. Should give another good account in this sphere and will get his head in front sooner or later but not sure if it will be here.

Colonel Mak Does have a bit to find with Pepper Lane and a few others on the back of his Ripon sixth two starts back. Another who displays previous course and distance winning form so has a liking for Ayr and chances should he get a good toe into the race from stall number 15. This task is a significant step up from his recent Ffos Las success but at least he comes here in good heart.

Mayson Difficult to discount the Hanagan and Fahey combination in these big field handicaps and the lightly raced Mayson ran a decent race when 40/1 a Ripon last time. He finished third that day but that was his first run of 2011 and expected to be better for that outing and can make his presence felt once more.

Very difficult to call with all 27 runners having earned their placed in this sphere but a couple do stand out. None more so than David O’Meara’s Pepper Lane who has been most impressive winning her last three handicaps and she has easily the best form on offer. But her winning streak could be about to end and HAWKEYETHENOO can take advantage. He failed in his bid in this race last year but has won some decent events in the past twelve months and it could be his and Jim Goldie’s year. Mayson can get in the money for Richard Fahey after his likeable return at Ripon while Colonel Mak can run into some place money. [Mikey Mumford]

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