13:55 Ayr
Addeybb landed two Group 1's in Australia and probably produced a career best performance when finishing second, behind the high class Lord North at Ascot. Strictly speaking and despite having to concede weight all round, he should win this, there is no other way of putting it although at 5/4, and on the back of a hard enough campaign, I couldn't want to bet him. Fox Chairman finished in front of Lord Glitters when the pair clashed at York, he proved somewhat disappointing when turned over at Windsor the time after although he has been threatening and deserves plenty of respect. San Donato would have been interesting but for flopping at York last time, that effort looked too bad to be true though it hardly inspires confidence even if he proves suited to the new trip. Lord Glitters hasn't really fired this season and was an extremely frustrating third when last seen (Given a lot to do) his yard have been in good form of late and though I didn't really want to, I just couldn't resist the urge to have a little play on him.
Lord Glitters (Win, 11/2)
14:30 Ayr
Given those drawn high did best in the Bronze Cup, Arbalet would appear to have plenty on from stall 2 and will probably require plenty of luck if edging across or deliberately missing the kick and coming from the back. His effort two starts ago at Ascot strongly indicated a return to this sort of trip might suit and his recent spin around Chelmsford is easily forgiven. Josephine Gordon seems to get on well with David O'Meara's charge and though he has drifted quite markedly in the betting (Presumably on account of the draw) he looks on a workable mark and could go well at a big price. Atalanta's Boy atoned for his Stewards Cup performance (Badly missed the break) when scoring in decisive fashion last time, he looks almost certain to go well if breaking on level terms and is feared. King's Lynn had looked disappointing when beaten at Doncaster in August though that form has been seriously franked by the winner since. After agonising and arguing with myself that his price was too short and that the race might be too rough for one so inexperienced (Only had 3 runs) I somehow concluded that he was worth betting. Loads of the others have chances though Aberama Gold and Bernardo O'Reilly were the one's that scared me the most.
Arbalet (EW, 6 places, 25/1)
King's Lynn (Win, 7/2)
15:40 Ayr
Having spent hours on this race throughout the week I had narrowed it down to two, maybe I spent too much time or got lost within all the reading, who knows, but I know I've now bet three... Hey Jonesy did me the mother of all favours when winning at Ascot, I very rarely revisit betting horses that have paid me off during the season though I can't shake the feeling that he has probably been aimed at this race. Gulliver finished third in this last season and has run with credit on numerous occasions since. His followers have probably fallen off the cliff by now but I am convinced it's only a matter of time before one of these races falls into his lap and stall 20 looks ideal. Bielsa has failed to fire this season and was bitterly disappointing when readily brushed aside at Haydock last time. Usually I wouldn't entertain betting horses with such an amount to prove, however, Kevin Ryan has saddled the winner of this three times in the last decade and this might have been a plan. Mr Lupton was well backed when winning in Ireland last week and has been backed again here. His mark wouldn't be an issue and his chance is clear though he has never followed up a victory before. Stone Of Destiny, Staxton, Nahaarr and the extremely frustrating Arecibo are others with fair claims.
Bielsa (E/W, 7 places, 14/1)
Gulliver (E/W, 7 places, 18/1)
Hey Jonesy (E/W 7 places, 18/1)
17:25 Ayr
National League came from a mile back to grab third in a better race than this at Doncaster last time and is taken to gain compensation if getting the gaps. Harrison Point is thriving at present and arrives seeking the hat-trick, after wins here and most recently at Beverley. Clearly in good heart and progressive, he would be dangerous if getting an easy lead though it is hard to see him upholding earlier form with Hajjam on these terms if the latter shows up (Raced here Thursday) Gulf Of Poets is extremely frustrating nowadays and hasn't won since April 2018. Currently 14lbs below that last winning mark, you would have to fear him if he consented and I played a saver just in case. Ascension regained the winning thread at Newmarket on his first start since being gelded, he is lightly raced for a four year old and hails from a yard in decent form.
National League (Win, 13/2)
Gulf Of Poets (E/W, 16/1)
Outside of Ayr I played a few old friends/rogues in an attempt at limiting the potential damage, In all likelihood of course I will have managed to make it worse but here goes. Desert Encounter has been his usual frustrating self the last twice, often awkward and apparently unwilling he is a bloody frustrating horse to bet. Due to go in the 14:50 at Newbury (A race he has won twice previously) he is given a final chance at 11/4. Charlie D received my final play, he hasn't really fired since winning here on his comeback though Tom Dascombe appears to be getting his horses back into form and 12/1 looked fairly tempting.
Finally I would just like to show a little respect and appreciation toward Pat Smullen, who recently lost his battle with illness. The talent of the man within the saddle was always unquestionable, his glittering career and achievements shall never be forgotten. His passing is of course a cruel and terrible blow and I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and those who knew him.... From an outsiders point of view, watching him display such determination, class and dignity throughout his battle was as heart-breaking as it was inspirational, rest easy Pat.