Book Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Tickets Handicap

Overall record of 1-14 but he finished runner-up five times last season and is well treated on the pick of that form; returned after wind surgery with an encouraging fourth at Doncaster (6f, good) in June but he was disappointing at Thirsk last month and needs to bounce back after that; cheekpieces removed.

Off the mark at the seventh attempt when narrowly beating a 1-3 shot in Bath novice (5f, good to firm) in June; left Andrew Balding for 21,000gns last month; handicapper has reacted to that last success but he still has potential and is respected back up in trip for new yard.

Ended a losing run when seeing off 17 rivals at York (6f, good to firm) last month; hasn't gone on from that in three subsequent runs but his latest fourth at Hamilton was a solid effort and he's won twice over C&D in the past; possibilities.

Won here in April and at Musselburgh last month (both 7f, good); beaten less than 2l in last three starts and he didn't get the breaks at Haydock (1m) last time but all nine wins have been over further and his tactical speed will be tested back at this trip.

All four wins have been over longer trips but he usually makes the running and has finished placed here (7f/1m) in his three runs this season; this is a different test now back sprinting but he's on a workable mark and it wouldn't be a surprise if he made a bold bid.