Dalgleish looks well set to notch double at Ayr

Trainer has high hopes for Saint Equiano and I’m Improving

SAINT EQUIANO bolted up on his latest visit to Ayr and will take plenty of beating on his return to the track.

Having run well in defeat twice at Ayr in June, the Keith Dalgleishtrained gelding finished third at Chester.

After a couple months off, the fouryear-old returned to Ayr for the Western meeting a couple of weeks ago and turned what looked a competitive handicap into a procession, dominating his rivals from the front.

Given the manner of the victory, it is no surprise the assessor has handed him an 8lb rise.

However, that may not be enough to stop him following up if he is in similar mood.

Dalgleish loves a winner at Ayr and is also fancied to strike gold with I’M IMPROVING in the Weatherbys Hamilton Handicap.

This three-year-old looked quite an exciting prospect after rounding off his juvenile campaign with a runaway victory at Redcar.

He still appeared a little green when fourth on his reappearance at Wetherby and he was rightly prominent in the market on his next start at Carlisle.

Fitted with a hood for the first time, I’m Improving ran with the choke out and consequently failed to get over a mile and three furlongs on what is a stiff track.

Back at a mile and a quarter on a flatter surface, if he is a little more tractable Dalgleish’s charge looks sure to make his presence felt.

Donald McCain’s DEAR SIRE can gain his revenge on likely favourite Caid du Lin in the bet365 Novices’ Chase at Sedgefield.

Dear Sire has a 6lb pull for a five and a half length defeat by Caid du Lin at Worcester last month, and this slightly easier track may play to his strengths.

SELECTIONS

AYR: 2.10 Supreme Dream, 2.40 Royal Flag, 3.15 Brian Ryan, 3.45 Se You, 4.20 SAINT EQUIANO (NAP), 4.55 I’m Improving, 5.25 Zoravan, 5.55 Remember Rocky.

SEDGEFIELD: 2.00 Compatriot, 2.30 Sonic, 3.05 Dear Sire, 3.35 Lucky Robin, 4.10 Oak Vintage, 4.45 Rafferty

DOUBLE: Saint Equiano and I’m Improving.