Saturday’s angles: Ayr Gold Cup trends, horses for courses and outsiders to follow

The Ayr Gold Cup takes centre stage on Saturday and there will be nine races from Ayr and Newbury live on ITV. We’ve highlighted some of the key trends in recent years for the main event, picked out some horses with proven course form and some potentially overpriced outsiders. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Ayr Gold Cup trends

Only one horse has won the Ayr Gold Cup off a mark higher than 102 in the last nine years and there are seven runners rated 103 or higher this year. It’s going to be particularly hard work for the top weight Spycatcher, who is running off a mark of 111.

Only one three-year-old has won come out on top over the same period of time, so Rock On Thunder, Ardisia and Red Spells Danger have their work cut out for them. The age allowance is just 2lb so it’s no surprise that they tend to struggle.

Horses for courses

Thunder Roar hasn’t been in great form this season but he has slipped down the weights as a result. He won this race last year off a 3lb higher mark, so it would be dangerous to rule him out.

13:20

Ayr

Thunder Roar

Analysis

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Furthur is yet to finish outside of the first three in three previous starts at Newbury and he’s a two-time course winner. Having won a course and distance Group 3 last term, he should be competitive here.

13:37

Newbury

Furthur

Analysis

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Candy is unbeaten in two previous starts at Ayr and he landed the Silver Cup off a 1lb lower mark last term. A return to that sort of form would surely give him an each-way shout.

15:40

Ayr

Candy

Analysis

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Outsiders

Fantasy World (22/1, Boylesports) has returned to Balding after a stint over hurdles and he will improve significantly for his reappearance. He’s a Listed winner on the Flat and is capable of going close.

13:37

Newbury

Fantasy World

Analysis

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King’s Code (40/1, bet365) won well at Chester back in July and he’s back down to the same mark after three below-par efforts since. A return to form could well be on the cards.

14:47

Newbury

King's Code

Analysis

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Bodhi Bear (33/1, Boylesports) won a 5f handicap at Navan in June and was less than a length behind the winner when third in a Listed race at the Curragh. He can run well off a mark of 99.

15:40

Ayr

Bodhi Bear

Analysis

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