Keane hoping to be in the Zone at Ayr
COLIN KEANE is looking forward to partnering Buffer Zone in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup, on his first trip to the Scottish track.
The Fozzy Stack-trained Son Of Rest became the first Irish-trained horse in history to claim victory in the prestigious handicap when dead-heating with Paul Cole’s Baron Bolt 12 months ago – and Buffer Zone is a clear favourite to make it two wins on the trot for the travellers.
Trained by Ger Lyons, the fouryear-old is bidding for his second lucrative success in the space of a week, having won the “Bold Lad” Sprint Handicap at the Curragh last Sunday.
Keane, Ireland’s champion Flat jockey in 2017 and leading the way in a battle with Donnacha O’Brien for this year’s title, is optimistic about his chances today.
“He was very good at the Curragh,” he said. “Obviously he’s bouncing out quick, but he seems in good old order.”
The Irish handicapper handed Buffer Zone an 8lb rise to a mark of 107, but he is able to run in this weekend’s £200,000 feature with a 5lb penalty, meaning he is effectively 3lb well in.
“I hope he’s still ahead of the handicapper, but we’ll find out on Saturday,” Keane added.
“I’ve never ridden at Ayr before. They tell me a high draw is a good draw, so I hope they’re right [Buffer Zone in stall 21].
“The Irish didn’t have a great record in the race up until Fozzy Stack’s horse won last year, but hopefully this horse has a good chance.”
It is five years since David O’Meara saddled Louis The Pious to win the Ayr Gold Cup and the North Yorkshire maestro fires a formidable fivepronged assault on this year’s renewal. Stable jockey Danny Tudhope rides Arecibo, who is joined by Gu l l iver ( Jason Har t ) , Summerghand (David Nolan), Cold Stare (Robbie Downey) and Intisaab (Angus Villiers).
O’Meara said: “They’ve all been running away all year and have nothing to hide.”
Kevin Ryan saddles two runners in a bid to claim his fifth victory in the race, with Major Jumbo and Hey Jonesy both featuring in the 25-strong field, while champion jockey-elect Oisin Murphy travels north to partner the David Barron-trained Gunmetal.
Stack enjoyed another big-race victory yesterday when Piece Of Paradise won the Shadwell Stud/EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes. It was a one, two, three for the Irish with Joseph O’Brien’s 3-1 favourite Lady Penelope beaten by a length, and Willie McCreery’s Ickworth third.
Piece Of Paradise may be set for a swift return to action today in the William Hill Firth Of Clyde Stakes.
“As long as she pulls out fit and well in the morning, we’ll probably let her take her chance again,” Stack said.
He was very good at the Curragh. Obviously he’s bouncing out quick, but he seems in good old order