Summerghand heads weights for Ayr Gold Cup
Curragh winner Mr Lupton remains in contention.
Stewards’ Cup winner Summerghand heads the weights for the QTS Ayr Gold Cup following the five-day acceptance stage. Fourth in the six-furlong handicap showpiece 12 months ago, David O’Meara’s smart sprinter is rated 1lb higher this time – but is burdened with 11lb more having to carry 9st 13lb. Should he take his chance, Summerghand would at least be in calmer waters as he contested the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock last time out, when eighth to Dream Of Dreams. Among other possibles for O’Meara are Gulliver, Young Fire, Cold Stare and Arecibo. Stone Of Destiny, trained by Andrew Balding, has a 5lb penalty for his victory in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday, while the Kingsclere trainer can also call on King’s Lynn, owned by the Queen. The three-year-old shaped promisingly when second to the exciting Starman at Doncaster last month, on his first start since September. Mr Lupton bagged a valuable prize at the Curragh on Sunday and is in line for a quick reappearance for Richard Fahey, with Tim Easterby considering the race for his Great St Wilfrid Handicap scorer Staxton. Mick Appleby’s Danzeno, the William Haggas-trained Nahaarr and Atalanta’s Boy, from David Menusier’s stable, are just a few of the others in contention after 162 hopefuls stood their ground. There are the Silver and Bronze Cups as consolation races for those who miss out on the big one.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
‘It’s over!’ Skelton fears title hopes have gone this term
‘The reality of beating Willie is, it’s not reality, I’m afraid.’
-
Next stop the Derby for Trial winner Bellum Justum
Balding: ‘He has ticked a lot of boxes, so we don’t see the point in running him again.’
-
United FA Cup collapse inspired Mullins to stay focused
‘You can’t count your chickens. You just have to go through and keep playing.’
-
Battling Bowen vows to keep pushing title rival Cobden
Welsh rider proud to declare: ‘Whether I win or lose, I haven’t given it up.’
-
Tributes pour in for Olivier Peslier following final rides
‘He is a gentleman and has been a great ambassador for France and for all jockeys.’
-
Peslier grateful for public support on farewell appearance
‘It’s very exciting to see all the people; for me, it is gratitude to everybody for coming.’
-
Nicholls understands reasoning behind Frost’s French move
‘It just strikes me she does ride well and she doesn’t get that many opportunities.’
-
Desert Hero drops back in trip for seasonal reappearance
William Haggas: ‘It’s a nice, stiff track and it’s a good starting place for him.’
-
Macduff team expect Classic Trial test to suit
Colt moves up to 10 furlongs with Derby aspirations on the line at Sandown.
-
‘Talented’ Nostrum makes Mile return at Sandown
Connections hoping to see ‘true’ colt after a difficult 2023 campaign.