Cox hoping for more Dark success

Out After Dark is on course to try and follow up his Portland Handicap win in Saturday’s totesport Ayr Gold Cup.

Clive Cox’s four-year-old will have to shoulder a 5lb penalty for last week’s Doncaster success when he beat a number of possible Ayr rivals including Pieter Brueghel and Continent.

David Nicholls, who has those two horses amongst his 19-strong entry, has expressed some concerns about the prospect of fast ground at the Scottish track and Cox himself would relish a shower or two.

“I wouldn’t mind a drop either, to be honest,” he told At The Races. “It certainly doesn’t look like they are going to get much rain at all.”

“He’s pretty versatile. He does seem to be effective on all kinds of ground.”

Apprentice rider Adam Kirby was aboard the gelding at Doncaster and he is set to maintain the partnership at Ayr – using his important 5lb claim.

“The handicapper has put him up 4lb, we are going to take a chance and run even though we have 5lb penalty,” added Cox. “Adam will take off a valuable 5lb once more.

“He’s come out of the race really well and he deserves to have a crack.”

Cox is also looking forward to running New Seeker in the Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury on Friday.

The five-year-old will be returning to the track where he won the International Stakes in July, beating subsequent Group One winner Goodricke in the process.

“He’s in great nick with himself and hopefully he will be doing well with the Elite Racing colours on again,” said Cox.

“Seven furlongs back at Newbury is the course and distance he achieved his International success over.”