Local hope faces stiff task

The Linda Perratt-trained Appalachian Trail heads the weights for Saturday’s John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup following the confirmation stage.

There are still 142 possibles for the six-furlong dash with sprint king David Nicholls currently mob-handed with a huge entry, including Great St.Wilfrid one-two Tajneed and Valery Borzov.

Stewards’ Cup hero Conquest is another interesting contender at this stage, as are last year’s winner Advanced and 2006 hero Fonthill Road.

The draw for the race will take place live on Racing UK at 11am on Thursday and the top 27 in the handicap declared will make the cut.

The next 27 in the list will then go forward for the totesport Silver Cup, which takes place on Friday.