Ayr Gold Cup Tip: Below Zero

A hugely competitive and talented field line up for the Ayr Gold Cup at 3.20. With £74,700 to the winner, it is one of the biggest prizes of the year and it is no surprise the quality of field it attracts. An official rating of 97 is the minimum needed to qualify, with 15 runners rated 100 or higher.

A peculiarity generated by the increase in quality, is the number of horses that need to be held up. If we look at the 27 contenders this is the break down of their running styles:

• Led / Make All = 2 (Pepper Lane & Below Zero)
• Pressers = 6
• Hold-up = 19

There is a huge disparity in styles, with the majority of the horses used to coming from off the pace. With only two front-runners; Pepper Lane and Below Zero could dictate the race, despite the large field.

Below Zero is the horse I’m most excited about. Forced to race off a mark of 105 in future, he looks well handicapped off 98 today. Versatile regards distance, he has won over six and seven furlongs, including on soft ground if the predicted rain arrives.

Two races ago he was most impressive when winning a strong handicap at Leopardstown. In an 18 runner race, he showed blistering gate speed to grab the lead, a lead he never relinquished. After six furlongs he was four lengths in front, only for the gap to reduce to a length as he tired at the finish. To make such a good field look ordinary he has to be a useful horse. He previously won a class two contest at Dundalk by four lengths and finished third in a valuable handicap at Goodwood last month.

His last run at Doncaster can be forgiven as he was hampered and struggled into a strong headwind. Ignore that run and he is massively overpriced at best odds of 33/1 with Boylesports.

Best Odds Guaranteed – Boylesports
Back Below Zero with Boylesports as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.