Ayr Gold Cup 2009

It’s the Ayr Gold Cup tomorrow with 27 runners trying to take the prize over 6 furlongs and the betting is wide open at the moment. The David Nicholls yard have won this race 5 times in the last 9 years and this year he has no less than 6 runners including one of the favourites “Evens and Odds” ridden by his son Adrian and must be in with a good chance; best odds at the time of writing 8/1 with PaddyPower or 888.com. The other favourite with the bookies is the Hayley Turner ridden “Redford” (8/1 with Ladbrokes and 888.com) but Hayley only has a 10% strike rate in the last 14 days.

There may be better value in some of the others such as “Brave Prospector”, an improving horse from the Chapple-Hyam stable and ridden by apprentice Jack Mitchell who has a strike rate of 19% in the last 14 days and drawn 20 in amongst the pace horses seems to have a lot in his favour. Generally available at 14/1; Ladbrokes are still quoting 16/1.

If you are a follower of jockeys, there are two obvious opportunities. “Signor Peltro” ridden by previous winner Seb Sanders drops back in trip from 7 furlongs which connections think will suit. Generally available at 16/1 but Ladbrokes are still quoting 20/1. The other to watch is “Jimmy Styles” ridden by Dettori who has a 24% strike rate over the past 14 days suggesting he picks his rides well. If you are an each way backer, note that Paddy Power are offering ¼ odds for 5 places whereas most others are only offering 4 places.