Book The Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Handicap Stakes

Highfield Viking shaped with promise when third five starts back, and his experience over today's trip and going keeps him firmly in the mix from stall one carrying 140 lb — though winless in his last five starts, that recent dip in form is the chief concern.

Placed in four of his last six starts — second last time out and a winner three starts back — Runninsonofagun arrives fresh on 12 days' rest with distance and going experience to call on, though his ranking of ninth in the field and 139 lb burden suggest he faces a stiff ask here.

Black Storm has been knocking at the door in recent starts — third last time out and a second three starts back show he's consistently hitting the frame, and he has experience over today's trip and conditions. The main risk is that he remains winless in his last five starts.

Phoenix Of Dreams landed a win four starts back and was third last time out, but his absence of 102 days and a middling speed rating of 68 temper expectations; he has run over today's trip and going, though stall 11 is where he breaks from under 138 lb.

A winner three starts back offers the sole encouragement here, but she has been unplaced either side of it and returns after 99 days off. Has run over today's trip, though her figures rank her among the outsiders in this field.