Angel lights up Ayr... and strikes Gold
OUTSIDER Angel Alexander sprang a 28-1 surprise when coming down the forecast unfavoured far side to land the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup.
The Tom Dascombe-trained gelding was one of only two three-year-olds in the line-up, but produced the goods to come out on top in one of the most valuable and competitive sprint handicaps in the British racing calendar.
On settling down after the start, Kingscote made the brave decision to keep Angel Alexander as one of only six in the 24-strong field to stick towards the stands’ side.
It paid dividends, with Angel Alexander showing a high draw was no detriment to success. Major Jumbo and Gunmetal led the way for the high numbers in the early stages with Just another bottle, Staxton and Laugh A Minute among those prominent in the bigger group.
Kingscote made his move over a furlong out and Angel Alexander pulled clear of those around him and had enough in hand to beat the other group, led by Growl (28-1) by half a length.
Gulliver (8-1) was another half-length away in third with his David O’Meara-trained stablemate, Summerghand (11-1), a further three-quarters of a length back in fourth place.
The Irish-trained 100-30 favourite Buffer Zone, from the Ger Lyons stable, was among those on the near side but proved disappointing and could not get in a blow after his victory at the Curragh six days earlier.
‘I was disappointed I couldn’t get there myself because the train was delayed,’ admitted winning trainer Dascombe, who scooped £124,500 of the £200,000 pot for the Ayr Gold Cup victory.
‘It didn’t change the result and all I can say is Richard gave it an amazing ride. The horse is very genuine.
‘It was brilliant and for good people like Peter Birbeck, Steve Mound and Keith Trowbridge (owners), it’s wonderful to have a big win for them.’
Golden Apollo landed the Ayr Silver Cup for trainer Tim Easterby and jockey David Allan at 12-1, while Mark Johnston-trained Rose Of Kildare won the Group Three Firth Of Clyde Stakes.
Meanwhile, Pierre Lapin put in a classy display to win the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury. The Roger Varian-trained two-year-old scored by one-length-and-a-half.