Ayr Gold Tips: Regal Parade

The Ayr Gold Cup (3.50) is a fascinating contest that could be determined by the tactics of two yards.

Richard Fahey, who has such an excellent record at this meeting, has his three runners all next door to each other in stalls 14, 15 & 16. I imagine one of the jockeys is under instructions to make the running for the other two, with Baccarat the most likely winner from the trio.

Kevin Ryan, winner of the race three times in the last six years, has also grouped his horses together in stalls one, four and seven. On paper he has the stronger team, with Hamza and Bogart out and out front-runners.

In haste to set up the race for one of their closers, there is a danger the race works out perfectly for an unexpected rival – Regal Parade.

Drawn in stall five, Milton Bradley’s runner can let the others do the donkeywork and conserve his energy, before deploying his powerful finishing burst. 

Winner of the race in 2008, he loves the track and soft ground and races off a competitive mark; 3lbs lower than when runner-up last year.

At nine years of age you’d expect his powers to be on the wane but he won a conditions race earlier in the year beating several 100+ rated sprinters.

He’s not had his ground since but has shaped with promise on his last two starts, finishing only four lengths behind Baccarat in the Great St. Wilfrids.

There is one last hurrah in this great servant and at 22/1 (Ladbrokes), he looks the best bet.