16th Sep 2016 | Horse Racing
Ayr Tips: Dark Defender
Two-time course winner, handles soft ground and ran a career best at York twelve days ago.
Dark Defender has ‘Ayr Western Meeting’ written all over him therefore I’m delighted to see him line up for the Bronze Cup at 4.15.
His course record is 1413, whilst his best form has come with juice in the ground including when winning on soft going at Ayr in July.
Last time out he clocked a clear career best when winning at York but is even better than the half-length margin of victory. The 3-year-old set a strong pace (98.3% finishing speed) but still had enough in reserve to fight off the challengers.
I gave him an adjusted speed rating of 92 for his win at York, which still makes him well-handicapped even with a 5lbs penalty. Keith Dalgleish has a terrific record at the track and with Jim Crowley a bonus in the saddle everything is primed for a big run.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 02:13 16th Sep, 2016 but subject to change
