LiveScore Racing Preview: Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup, September 18, 2021
It is another bumper day of racing on Saturday with great cards coming from Ayr and Newbury.
The feature race at the Scottish course is the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup, while at Newbury, we have the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes.
Here are five horses to follow across the two meetings.
Ayr 1.55pm - Virgin Bet Doonside Cup Stakes (1m2f, Listed)
The last time JUAN ELCANO dropped down to Listed company, he was successful at Ascot (1m2f) back in June. He has since tried his hand in two very strong races, including the Group One Juddmonte International.
Kevin Ryan's runner is the classiest horse in this field and he should be able to score for the second time since having wind surgery earlier this year.
LiveScore Selection: Juan Elcano
Newbury 2.15pm - Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (5f, Group 3)
Charles Hills' sprinter KHAADEM was back to his best earlier this month when he prevailed at Doncaster in a Listed contest. That was fully deserved as the five-year-old had been running consistently well without success this season.
The son of Dark Angel was well on top at the finish in his last outing. The opposition will be stronger on this occasion, but a repeat of his last performance will make him hard to beat once again.
LiveScore Selection: Khaadem
Ayr 3.05pm Virgin Bet Firth Of Clyde Fillies' Stakes (6f, Group 3)
There are a number of unexposed fillies lining up in this Group Three contest over 6f, many of which still have unbeaten records.
The pick of them could be HEAD MISTRESS. She has won on both of her two starts so far, including at the Curragh (5f) last time in a Listed contest. This Group Three level is the obvious step up for this filly but she may be capable of producing much more now she has some experience on her side.
The two-year-old has been handed a perfect draw and the ground conditions should be ideal for her.
LiveScore Selection: Head Mistress
Ayr 3.40pm - Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Handicap (6f)
The Ayr Gold Cup is one of the biggest races of the year at this Scottish racecourse, and as ever, it has produced a competitive field. The two horses who are in the best form going into this race are Great Ambassador and COMMANCHE FALLS. They are bidding to complete a hat-trick of wins.
The latter looks the most likely to extend his winning run and claim the top prize. Michael Dods' runner won over this C&D earlier this season. He has gone up just 4lb for his latest success at Goodwood, but this new mark remains very workable.
LiveScore Selection: Commanche Falls
Newbury 4.00pm - Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (6f, Group 2)
DHABAB got off the mark at the first time of asking in a maiden contest at Leicester (6f). He was then thrown straight into Group Two company. In his two appearances at this level so far, he has not performed badly.
The No Nay Never colt was third of nine at Newmarket (7f) last time out, just over a length behind the winner. A drop back down to 6f will help his chances. He could be the one they all have to beat.
LiveScore Selection: Dhabab