Gold Cup victim of the weather

Ayr economy will be hit

Ayr was left counting the cost after the racecourse lost its biggest flat meeting of the year for the first time in living memory.

The estimated loss to the local economy could run into seven figures after all three days of the traditional Western meeting, featuring the William Hill Gold Cup, were abandoned due to an unsafe patch of ground caused by heavy rain.

“It’s hard to put a figure on it but it’s a considerable amount of money, probably into seven figures I would say,” said Iain Ferguson, head of PR at Ayr.

The Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes is the main event on a strong card at Newbury and while Invincible Army and Nebo set the standard on form, the preference is for the less exposed ENJAZAAT.

The Owen Burrows-trained juvenile has won twice from four starts and had two lengths in hand when claiming Listed honours in the Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy last month.

That effort can be upgraded in light of the subsequent Doncaster victory of the runner-up, Tip Two Win, and Enjazaat looks more than capable of holding his own at this level.

Plenty of familiar names contest the other Group race on the card, the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes, and fancied to lead them home is the William Haggastrained MUTHMIR.

After appearing to lose his way last season, Haggas has coaxed him back to something like his best with the aid of cheekpieces.

Unbelievably with Ayr waterlogged, the conditions at Newbury are good and despite his penalty, Muthmir can stamp his class on the race.

The Betfred Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket features names better known for their exploits over hurdles and one of those, STERNRUBIN, might take some stopping. SELECTIONS: NEWBURY: 1.15 Reshaan, 1.45 Emaraaty, 2.15 Dylan Mouth, 2.50 ENJAZAAT (NAP), 3.25 Fidaawy, 4.00 Muthmir, 4.35 Daphne, 5.05 Sfumato.

NEWMARKET: 1.25 Sheikha Reika, 2.00 First Nation, 2.35 Vuela, 3.10 Sternrubin, 3.45 India, 4.20 Robin Weathers, 4.55 Ninjago, 5.30 Dubara.

DOUBLE: Enjazaat and Muthmir.