Ayr Gold Cup Day delivers one of the premier cards of the UK flat racing season, featuring deep handicaps and high-class stakes action. From the Doonside Cup to the Silver Cup, Gold Cup, and Firth of Clyde, bettors can expect competitive fields, soft ground challenges, and plenty of betting value. Below, you’ll find Tom’s and Rich’s picks, giving you two expert perspectives on the action.
Race 2 – Doonside Cup Stakes (Listed, 1m2f)
Tom’s Picks
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6 – Tuscan Hill – Two races this season at the Group 1 & 2 level, showing a little in one race, nothing in the Derby. Won over the soft going in the final start last season.
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3 – Certain Lad – Three races this season have been nothing remarkable in Group 2 races. Returns to the listed level after a Group 3 win at Longchamp.
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2 – Caviar Heights – Runner-up in both starts this season in listed company, losing by a neck and a nose. Shortening the distance should help.
Rich’s Picks
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3 – CERTAIN LAD – Has run his best on soft and 1-for-1 at Ayr.
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5 – ALMERIC – The rightful favorite with 2 wins on soft, but facing older horses.
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2 – CAVIAR HEIGHTS – Probably better 2nd up, though soft is a question.
Race 3 – Ayr Silver Cup Handicap (6f)
Tom’s Picks
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20 – Rousing Encore – Showed signs of life last time, moved mid-race, but didn’t finish.
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19 – Sitky Wilkie – Solid effort last time at York. Extra half furlong suits, handles soft.
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7 – Nariko – Won last two, stepping up in class, but post position is a worry.
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6 – Sondad – Proven to handle soft ground.
Rich’s Picks
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10 – CANDY – Consistent on off footing, won lone Ayr run with ease, stronger 2nd up.
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7 – NARIKO – Distance suits, record strong on soft.
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6 – SONDAD – Three turf wins in nine, 2-for-2 at 6f when it’s wet.
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5 – GWEEDORE – Five wins in 12 at Ayr, but less effective elsewhere.
Race 4 – Firth of Clyde Stakes (Group 3, 2yo, 6f)
Tom’s Picks
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11 – Lightning Polka – Debut win at Haydock by two lengths, came from behind. Soft going a question.
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10 – Lam Yai – Maiden winner, ran well at Ripon, caught leaders but couldn’t finish.
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13 – Rogue Attraction – Two runs, won last out by over five lengths, consistent.
Rich’s Picks
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11 – LIGHTNING POLKA – Debut win against a highly rated field, upside in 2nd start.
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5 – COMING ATTRACTION – Just a length from being undefeated in three.
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9 – ISLE OF FERNANDEZ – Proven soft-track winner.
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8 – INDIA LOVE – Undefeated in three, distance the only question.
Race 5 – Ayr Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage, 6f)
Tom’s Picks
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21 – Fahrenheit Seven – Won last out at Hamilton as the favorite, handles good-to-soft.
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3 – Toyotomi – Mixed form in France, poor run at Newmarket, but better with cut in the ground.
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24 – Desert Falcon – Won at Doncaster last out, but usually races at 7f. Cutback to 6f is the test.
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6 – Alfa Kellenic – Won six in a row earlier this year, beaten as big favorite last out, but drops back to winnable level.
Rich’s Picks
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6 – ALFA KELLENIC – Six wins in nine, 2-for-2 at Ayr, versatile and proven on soft.
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21 – FAHRENHEIT SEVEN – Best performances on soft, 2 wins at the distance.
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4 – NORTHERN TICKER – Improving speed, needs racing luck.
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24 – DESERT FALCON – Speedy, cutting back in distance, won last on soft at Ayr.
Race 6 – British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (2yo, 7f)
Tom’s Picks
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3 – Galilean Quality – Average debut, trainer wins 29% with 2yos, should improve.
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5 – Red Spells Danger – Showed pace before fading, can build off that effort.
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1 – Hasbro Market – Most experienced, should be the favorite, expected to lead.
Rich’s Picks
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1 – HASBRO MARKT – Experience and a win already, should be on top.
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2 – ARABIAN DESERT – Strong breeding, potential upside.
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4 – NOBODY KNOWS – Another bred for success, could be the alternative to Arabian Desert.
