John Arnold looks ahead to one of the most competitive sprint handicaps of the season. He takes a deep dive into the race and picks out three runners not to ignore for the Scottish showpiece. History: The Ayr Gold Cup, first established in 1966, is one of the most prestigious sprint races in the UK and is held annually at Ayr Racecourse in Scotland. Designed for thoroughbred horses aged three years and older, this exciting flat race is run over a distance of 6 furlongs and ha
After pinpointing the first three home in the Ebor Handicap, John Arnold returns with two worth following in the final classic of the season as he dissects the St Leger. History: The St Leger Stakes, inaugurated in 1776, is the oldest Classic horse race in the world, held annually at Doncaster Racecourse. Established by Colonel Anthony St Leger as a way to promote horse racing in the area, the race was originally planned as a local event but quickly gained popularity, becomi
For the second week running, Mickael Barzalona and the famous colours of the Aga Khan stole the headlines as Rayif landed the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois. The complexion of the race changed dramatically last Tuesday following the shock announcement that unbeaten star Bow Echo had been retired and would therefore miss the Deauville showpiece. While the news came as a huge disappointment to racing fans across the globe, who had hoped to see more of the hugely talented colt,
Matt Polley heads up north to Scotland with action from Hamilton to kick start the week. 14:47 HAMILTON Obviously the Goldie team are usually worth following here and Humble Spark is a big player here taking a drop in grade. Unchartedterritory is a three year old on the improve and he should be thereabouts. Florida Dreams is certainly the most interesting candidate here. He was well punted on his flat handicap debut, but refused to enter the stalls. The main priority at Yor
Pundit Dean Kilbryde heads to Ayr and Newbury for his best bets this Friday. 15:05 AYR Beautiful Diamond boasts an exemplary record at Ayr, winning three from four, all at Listed level, including this race last year. She hasn’t won yet this season but has made the frame in three from four including a Group 2 race on penultimate run and looks primed for another big effort today. Luna A Inbhir Nis finished four lengths behind Beautiful Diamond in this race last season and has