The last of this season’s big six-furlong sprint handicaps takes place in Scotland three weeks tomorrow. The Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup is always a competitive affair with up to 25 runners spread across the course, often splitting into two distinct groups on the near side and the far side of the stands.
Last year, the race was won by the hugely-admirable Summerghand at the age of eight. This wonderful old warrior has been at the peak of his powers again this season winning his most recent race at York and being runner-up before that in the William Hill Great St Wilfred Handicap at Ripon. He will surely return to Ayr on 23 September to try to defend his crown and he could well do it off a lofty rating of 107, including a penalty for his York win.
As always, the ground conditions will have a huge effect on the outcome of this race and it is slightly annoying that I like two horses that are ground-dependent.
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