Architect Tips looks at the top of the odds market for the 2024 Ayr Gold Cup and picks out three betting tips.
Ayr Gold Cup
The Ayr Gold Cup is the feature race at Ayr on Saturday and has attracted a really strong field of 24 at today’s declaration stage.
Ayr Gold Cup Runners
Let’s take at the top 10 Ayr Gold Cup runners according to latest betting odds and try to pinpoint who may emerge as the winner.
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Rohaan (10/1)
Much lower in the handicap since he last got his head in front and looked unlucky to not finish closer than seventh in this last year. That was off a mark of 104, so being down to a mark of 96 is well within his capabilities. Given he likes to be held up, he will need plenty of luck, but Tom Queally is a master in big-field handicaps, and this classy six-year-old has a massive chance.
American Affair (10/1)
Proving extremely consistent and produced a remarkable performance to come from last-to-first in the Portland at Doncaster last week. The fact that he is turned out quickly suggests he has come out of that race well. You cannot be sure about it, but if this doesn’t come too soon, then he’s another worth a second look.
Ramazan (11/1)
Two pounds better off with Significantly and only for his neck-second in last year’s renewal. This four-year-old has some excellent efforts in big-field handicaps and deserves a change of fortune, having also been second in both the Victoria Cup and Great St Wilfrid last time out. He did the best of those drawn low in the latter race, and given his experience in this race, he should be primed to run well once more.
Jordan Electrics (12/1)
Despite being an eight-year-old, this son of Dandy Man has been in the form of his life this year, recording seven wins from 11 starts.
He subsequently went very close to landing the Symphony Group Handicap at York and must have a serious chance of at least making the places here if he’s able to replicate that performance. Another interesting runner.
Billyjoh (12/1)
This four-year-old has been in good form this year, winning twice as well as making the frame five times, including in back-to-back events at Goodwood, notably when third in the Stewards’ Cup.
He ran below par at York last time out but remains quite well treated, and it would come as no surprise to see him bounce back with a decent showing.
Mostabshir (14/1)
Winner of a valuable novice stakes at last year’s Dante Meeting prior to finishing sixth in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
Has done most of his racing between seven furlongs and a mile, but he relished the drop to six furlongs when fourth in the Stewards’ Cup last time out and remains unexposed in the handicap ranks. With this stiff finish likely to play to his strengths, an even bigger performance could well be on the cards.
Lethal Levi (14/1)
Largely consistent sort, who was last seen dominating a good field at Newbury and has excellent form in large-field events. However, he could only finish ninth in this race 12 months ago off a lower mark, and it’s difficult to see him winning this contest. He may improve on last year’s effort to make the frame, but that’s as close as I expect him to get. Others are better treated.
Room Service (14/1)
Winner of three of his seven starts and has undergone wind surgery since winning at Pontefract in July. Based on the way he finishes off his races, this stiff finish should suit, and he’s open to plenty more improvement.
His handler, Kevin Ryan, has won this five times since 2007, so this unexposed three-year-old must enter calculations having seemingly been aimed at this race all season.
Northern Express (16/1)
Arrives into the race on the back of a career-best performance, having made all of the running to succeed in the Moet & Chandon International Stakes at Ascot.
The first, second, and sixth from that race have all emerged as subsequent winners, so the form has plenty of substance. That being said, he only beat six rivals home in this race last year and is likely to find a few too good.
Orazio (16/1)
Would have a place chance at least if able to return to the form of his close-up third in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot. However, he failed to beat a rival home when last of 18 in the Moet & Chandon International Stakes and will need a massive revival in order to be in the mix.
Ayr Gold Cup Tips
As expected, this is a minefield. However, I’m happy to play three against the field, who I think have outstanding place claims, at least.
The first one I like is ROHAAN (best price 10/1), who has proven his capabilities off higher marks and is lower in the handicap than when an unlucky but creditable seventh in this race last year.
If he gets a clear run on this occasion, I can see him going close. He is a standout recommendation, with five places generally on offer and advised.
Kevin Ryan has a superb record in the race, winning it five times since 2007, so his participant, ROOM SERVICE (best price 14/1), must be on the shortlist.
He won with plenty up his sleeve last time out and has interestingly undergone wind surgery since. Again, with the five places available, I can see him being very competitive, with more to come.
I’ll also give another chance to the capable and speedy SILKY WILKIE (best price 33/1), who is very well handicapped at present.
His last win came off this mark of 99, but this time his rider can claim a further 7lb, and Karl Burke is having an unbelievable campaign. If he’s back to his best, don’t be surprised to see him on the premises. Five places are generally available.
