Galvanize a live outsider in Ayr Bronze Cup

The big betting race of the day is the Ayr Bronze Cup (2.40), and Galvanize looks weighted to go well at a huge price on his first start for trainer Dandy Nicholls.

This gelding was formerly trained by Kevin Ryan and posted a solid effort on seasonal reappearance when chasing home Watchable in a 6f maiden contest over course and distance.

Galvanize was sent off the 2/5 favourite that day and led until being headed inside the final furlong and being unable to find an extra.

Although eventually beaten 3 1/2 lengths, the winner has since developed into a really useful sort who heads the betting for tomorrow’s Ayr Gold Cup after winning a very competitive handicap at the Curragh off a mark of 98.

Galvanize went on to get off the mark next time up at Ripon when making virtually all to beat Soul Brother by 1/2 a length, and the runner-up had previously been beaten 1/2 a length by subsequent Group 1 winner G Force.

That is strong form and, although Galvanize has been disappointing ins four starts since, his handicap mark has fallen as a result.
Having started life off in handicaps on a mark of 86, the son of Bahamian Bounty is now running off a rating of just 79.

It makes Galvanize look potentially well-treated if the switch to Nicholls works the oracle, and he wouldn’t be the first horse that the “Sprint King” has freshened up to land a big prize.

There are plenty of dangers in an ultra-competitive contest, and the main one may prove to be Gatepost.
The gelding is trained by Richard Fahey who has won the race two times since it was introduced into the calendar in 2009.

Five-year-old Gatepost is yet to get his head in front this season, but has returned to form to finish runner-up in his last two starts over 7f and will be suited by the drop back to 6f.

The son of Footstepsinthesand also finished a fine fifth in the Ayr Silver Cup two years back off 94 and is now racing off 12lb lower.

That makes Gatepost look handicapped to run a huge race, especially with talented apprentice George Chaloner in the saddle whose claim takes off another invaluable 3lb.