The five-year-old has been backed to give John Gosden his first winner in the race
Ante-post punters have a clear pick for the fiercely competitive handicap with John Gosden’s Johnny Barnes emerging as the one everyone wants to be on.
The 5yo was last seen putting in a career best performance to win the similarly competitive Grosvenor Sport Handicap at Goodwood in August. Robert Tart who steered him to success is back on board this weekend and punters appear confident of a repeat success.
Since the start of the week, a quarter of all bets on the race have been on the Gosden runner, making him the most popular selection. This popularity has also seen his odds shorten from 16/1 at the start of the week, to as short as 11/1 with some firms although 14’s can still be found.
Race favourite Shanghai Glory is next on the list with a shade under 18% of all bets and Andrew Balding’s Donjuan Triumphant, second in the marker, the third most popular choice.
The biggest bet of the week however has been for Michael Appleby’s Kickboxer at 25/1 (now best price 20/1).
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: “The racing at Ayr may have been called off today, but they are still set for the big race on Saturday and it is Gosden's entry Johnny Barnes who has caught the punters' imagination. The 14/1 that is still floating around may not be for much longer given the horse's popularity”
