Joy of six as Jay Kay lands another Ayr win

Ayr’s final Flat meeting of 2017 saw the Karl Burke-trained Jay Kay land his sixth course win when he made all under Joey Haynes to take the William Hill Bet Boost Handicap over a mile by three lengths from Le Chat D’OR.

The eight year-old, who had won at the course as recently as last week, was never in any danger and was returned at odds of 11-4.

Another popular winner was Chinese Spirit (6-1), who won the last race, the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap over one mile one furlong for trainer Mike Smith and jockey PJ Mcdonald. Smith said: “I train just ten miles up the road at Galston and that’s my 11th winner of the season from only nine Flat horses. I’m delighted with the way it has gone.”

Keith Dalgleish, crowned leading trainer at the track for the season, saddled Quiet Moment (8-1) to win Division One of the Tennent’s Handicap over a mile for jockey Connor Beasley.

Barry Mchugh rode a double on The King’s Steed (25-1) in Division Two of the Tennent’s Handicap for trainer Micky Hammond and then partnered Adherence, a 9-1 chance, to win the one mile five furlongs handicap for Tony Coyle.

Favourite backers got off to a flyer in the first race, the one mile novice stakes when the Burke-trained Wax And Wane, sent off at 8-11, made all for jockey Ben Curtis to fend off the challenge of Lynwood Gold and win by a length and three quarters.

Meanwhile, Aidan O’brien is rapidly closing in on Bobby Frankel’s record of 25 top-level wins in a year and Happily can contribute yet another Group One success in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket today.

The Galileo filly has already put up two wins to help towards the record bid and while she is unlikely to be of much betting value, it is hard to side against her.

Happily was evidently among the Ballydoyle top rank from an early point but looked likely to be eclipsed by better stablemates in due course after Magical edged her out in the Debutante Stakes.

However, Happily roared back when clinging on to the Moyglare by a short head from that stablemate while she put the colts to the sword when winning the Prix Jean-luc Lagardere at the Arc meeting nearly two weeks ago.

This is a quick reappearance after what appeared to be a tough enough race, but O’brien would not be running her if he did not think she was sufficiently recovered and Happily might not need to be a full force to win anyway.

Gavota had to settle for third place in the Rockfel last time but granted better luck in the Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes, she should return to winning form.

Roger Charlton’s charge has looked a potential star in winning her first two outings, coming home six lengths clear on her second start in a novice event at Lingfield in August.

She was duly well supported when upped to Group Three level two weeks ago but she was pretty keen from the off, prompting her rider to settle her in the pack. However, she did not get a clear run until inside the final furlong, closing with purpose to be beaten under two lengths in third.

She deserved plenty of credit for that run and will surely be in the shake up again.