Captain Ramius bids for repeat victory in Saturday’s Ayr Gold Cup

Captain Ramius was an impressive winner of last year’s Ayr Gold Cup and has been laid out for a repeat bid by trainer Kevin Ryan. The trainer has four representatives this season and all are drawn low.

Captain Ramius has shown all of his best form on a soft surface and should have conditions to his liking. Another trainer with history very much on his mind is Jim Goldie who is hoping to provide Scotland with its first home-trained winner since Roman Warrior in 1975.

He saddles the top weight Jack Dexter and former Stewards’ Cup winner Hawkeyethenoo. Kieren Fallon partners Hawkeyethenoo from stall 9 whilst Jack Dexter will depart from stall 22 under Graham Lee.

The Great St Wilfrid at Ripon produced a thrilling finish with Baccarat swooping late to catch the front-running Spinatrix and the two are set to renew rivalry on Saturday. Spinatrix is 2lbs better off at the weights and the going is likely to be softer than at the Yorkshire track.

Michael Dods also runs last year’s Silver Cup winner Mass Rally who has been contesting many of the top sprints this season. Dean Ivory’s Tropics has drawn stall 26 whilst the well-fancied Khubala is also drawn high in stall 23.

Hoof It hinted at a return to form when third to Good Lord Byron at Haydock last time and that run entitles him to respect off 9st 7lb. Sir Michael Stoute has booked Catherine Gannon to ride Duke Of Firenze who won the Epsom Dash in the summer.

Newmarket is also represented by Jeremy Noseda’s Nocturn who will be partnered by William Twiston-Davies. Gabriel’s Lad is another that has been well supported in the ante-post market whilst Scotland also has hopes with hat-trick seeking Lover Man.

Ireland is doubly represented with Red Dubawi and Joe Eile making the trip across the water. A field of 27 go to post with the race due off at 3.50 on Saturday.