Now that the classics are completed, the UK flat season draws to a close and we wait with baited interest for the autumn arrival of the National Hunt season. However, before that, we can immerse ourselves in a betting frenzy as the flat season provides us with arguably the best phase of the season: big field sprint handicaps! This Saturday we focus our attention on two of the most compelling sprints of the season, The Ayr Gold and Silver cups. Both races have 25 runners and we’re going to give you some pointers on how to make a selection on these two fascinating cavalry charges. The draw bias of the stalls has had a huge impact on the result in recent years. However, it is imperative to remember that these are fun races and should not be taken seriously as sizable betting ventures. These big field sprints are too competitive. Bet sensibly therefore!
The straight 6 furlongs at Ayr throws up winners mostly that are drawn high so this is where I’m going to give three selections for The Ayr Silver Cup at 14.35.
Intisaab is the race favourite and I’m going to break my rule of never backing a favourite in a handicap by adding him to the mix. His form is absolutely rock solid having not been out of the first three in his last six runs. He also loves the Ayr track considering he has registered two wins there this season. He’s been fairly treated by the handicapper and drawn reasonably well at stall 13. Bet365, SkyBet, Betfred and Paddy Power are offering 8/1 best and an enticing 5 places for each way!
Stamp Hill is another I quite like. Drawn well at 19, he ran a decent race at Doncaster last time out. He’s been at the business end of all of his races this season and doesn’t look to bad on the weights for this contest with just a 2ib increase from the Doncaster win. 18/1 best with SkyBet and Paddy Power for the extra 5th place.
If you’re looking for a big priced outsider, look no further than Mujassam who has a cracking draw at 24 and some bits and pieces of form that gives the 40/1 with 5 places offered by Paddy Power some value for a small punt. He has to improve considerably but stranger things can happen in a 6 furlong charge of this kind.
The Ayr Gold Cup follows on at 15.45 and also has 25 runners. The three selections as follows.
First up is an outsider who definitely deserves a mention. Hillbilly Boy was placed in the Silver Cup last year, appreciates the forecasted soft going and gets a decent draw at 24. He’s won his last three starts in lesser value races but at 33/1 with bet365, SkyBet and Paddy Power, definitely worth throwing some short change at!
Terentum Star has been lightly raced this season and is another who appreciates a bit of cut in the ground. He is well handicapped and drawn reasonably at 16. Best priced 20/1 with bet365 for their 5 places on offer.
Finally, saving the best for last, I would highly recommend Magnus Maximus saddled by the inform trainer Robyn Brisland. He’s been fairly treated at the weights after an impressive win at Ascot last time out. He’s a bold front runner and might take some pegging back if he gets a decent break, especially with the decent draw at 21. He acts on any going and is the best deal for him is at Bet Victor who offer 12/1 at 5 places for each way.
Good luck with both of these highly entertaining races!
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