Khanjar favourite for Ayr Gold Cup glory

Khanjar, ridden by Coral ambassador Jim Crowley, is the 9/2 favourite for Saturday’s Ayr Gold Cup following the final declarations for the sprint contest.

Commanche Falls is now second favourite at 8/1 ahead of Summerghand (9-1) while defending champion Bielsa is quoted at 12/1.

Coral’s David Stevens said: “With former 6/1 joint favourite Erosandpsyche not among the final field for this year’s Ayr Gold Cup, Khanjar is now a clear market leader to land what would be a useful contribution towards trainer William Haggas’ championship bid.”

A brave ride from Kevin Stott enabled Bielsa to secure big-race honours last year.

Bielsa won the 2021 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup 🏆 with the £150,000 contest going to Kevin Stott and @kevinryanracing and King Power Racing 👏 but the real question is…who will win this year?! Comment below your thoughts 👇 pic.twitter.com/nGekSiNrJu

— Ayr Racecourse (@ayrracecourse) September 4, 2022

As the stalls opened, the majority of the field split into two groups, with several horses racing on the far side of the track and another batch going down the middle.

The Kevin Ryan-trained Bielsa, however, ploughed a lone furrow against the stands’ side rail, which ultimately proved a masterstroke.

Great Ambassador, the 3/1 favourite, careered clear of his rivals on the far side inside the final furlong but Bielsa galloped straight and true and was two and a quarter lengths clear passing the post.