Hog attracts Ayr support

Hogmaneigh has attracted significant support for the totesport Ayr Gold Cup and he is now challenging for favouritism in the Scottish showpiece.

The three-year-old gelding caught the eye when he was a staying-on third behind Fantasy Believer after being hampered at the start in the Ladbrokes Portland at York.

Hogmaneigh is none the worse for his exertions and trainer Stuart Williams said: “I thought he ran well at York under the circumstances. The ground had dried out a bit too much for him, he got squeezed a little bit at the start and didn’t get a clear run through when he was making his run.

“I was pleased with the way he ran, although I was obviously disappointed he didn’t win. We’ve always thought he was a nice horse and we’ve trained him accordingly.

“I didn’t risk him on the summer ground purposefully to keep him back for an autumn campaign with this race primarily in mind. We’ll just hope for a good draw and hope for a good run through the race."

The sponsors cut his price to 8-1, a point behind market leader Borderlescott, while William Hill and Coral have trimmed him into 7-1 joint-favourite with Robin Bastiman’s runner.

Totesport spokesman Damian Walker said: “Hogmaneigh had no luck at York on Saturday and there seems to be plenty of punters who think he’s the one to beat this weekend.”