Conquest bids for Ayr double
Conquest is set to bid to become the first sprinter since Coastal Bluff in 1996 to complete the Stewards’ Cup and Ayr Gold Cup double when he lines up in Scotland on Saturday.
Trainer William Haggas is keen to win the John Smith’s-sponsored handicap and Conquest looks like being his only runner as King’s Apostle, who was runner-up at Glorious Goodwood, is far from certain to take his chance.
“Conquest is more than likely to run but King’s Apostle probably won’t,” said Haggas.
“I only left him in just in case it was abandoned and it got moved to next week and it was good to firm ground.
“I’m not convinced Conquest will handle really testing conditions but he is in terrific form so we’ve got to give it a go.
“He has a high rating so there are very few opportunities for a horse like that and I’m delighted to be supporting the race.
“It really is a great race, with great tradition and I would really love to win it.”
It is 16 years since Lochsong won both races as well as picking up the Portland Handicap along the way.
Now last week’s Doncaster winner, Hogmaneigh, has been given the opportunity to follow up at Ayr.
“Myself and the owners have decided to let him take his chance,” said trainer Stuart Williams.
“He’s come out of his weekend run in good form and his feet have held up well which is good as they have been his biggest problem.
“We will try to strike again while the iron is hot, the ground there should suit him and he is a course-and-distance winner, albeit as a two-year-old.
“Given a good draw and speed on our side, we would be hopeful of another big run.”
Allan Dickman plans to run both Inter Vision and Ishetoo though he would prefer less testing conditions.
“There’s going to be a bit of fresh ground on the stands’ side so a high draw would be better,” said Dickman.
“Traditionally you’d want to be on the far side when it’s soft, but I wouldn’t mind getting on the stands’ side as they are opening up a new rail. I think 27 would be a good draw!”
Inter Vision may be eight years old but he showed he still retains plenty of ability when beaten just over four lengths in 10th place behind Hogmaneigh at Doncaster.
“He wasn’t beaten far in the Portland and he’d have half a chance on Saturday,” the Thirsk trainer went on.
Ishetoo is also guaranteed a place in the maximum 27-runner line-up thanks to a 5lb penalty for winning at Musselburgh three weeks ago.
“He gets in with his penalty and he too would prefer better ground, but I’m sure he’ll be in the mix,” he added.
Jim Goldie is hopeful of a better showing from Dhaular Dhar, who was well-beaten behind Advanced 12 months ago.
“He’s fine, but we could with the ground not being quite so soft,” said the Glasgow trainer.
“He’s in good order and we are quite hopeful.”
Advanced has been backed into 9-1 favourite, from 11-1, with Coral while others well supported are Confuchias who is now 10-1 from 12-1 and Mastership who is a 16-1 chance from 25s.
John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup, Coral bet: 9-1 Advanced, 10-1 Valery Borzov, Confuchias, 14-1 Hogmaneigh, Tajneed, 16-1 Damika, Fonthill Road, Mastership, 20-1 Baby Strange, Barney McGrew, Benwilt Breeze, Bel Cantor, Conquest, River Falcon, Shifting Star, Turnkey, 22-1 bar.
