Ayr Gold Cup Entries: Star studded field set for sprint showpiece

A stellar list of entries have been received for the Ayr Gold Cup, which takes place at Ayr racecourse on Saturday afternoon and we pick out some of the leading contenders for what should be a hugely competitive renewal of the 6f handicap. You can also check out the latest Ayr Gold Cup odds here...

Magnificent when bounding to glory in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood at the end of July, Commanche Falls then nearly followed up in a classy York sprint handicap, but had to settle for second behind the evergreen Summerghand, and that pair are set for another epic duel this weekend and are both prominent figures in the betting. Both available at 12/1, at the time of writing, both will head north of the border looking to land another valuable prize and have to be considered major players.

Kevin Ryan's Bielsa (14/1) was a spectacular winner of the race 12 months ago and that raider is set for another crack at the race, as he looks to emulate the legendary Funfair Wane, who won two renewals of the sprint showpiece back in the early 2000s. Currently heading the betting is the Paddy Twomey-trained Erosandpsyche, who could make a quick reappearance having chased home Highfield Princess in the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh last weekend. Sparkling in that Group 1 event, he was no match for the runaway winner that day, but if the Irish charge decides to come over for this event he warrants the utmost respect, and is the 7/1 ante-post favourite, at the time of writing.

The other contender in single figures with the bookmakers is Khanjar, who is a point behind in the betting at 8/1 and will line up on the back of an eye-catching Haydock Park win. Still only three years old, the William Haggas-trained son of Kodiac had previously finished third at Newmarket, but shaped with more promise last time when winning at Haydock impressively, and he's a fascinating runner.