After a respectable fifth at 20/1 and a third at 9/1 last week, I’m hoping to keep the momentum going with the big price selections this week. Perhaps foolishly, both of my tips come from what are arguably the most competitive races of the weekend at Ayr — the Silver Cup and the Gold Cup.
14:25 Ayr – FIVETHOUSANDTOONE (20/1 generally)
This is a fiercely competitive contest with several arriving with strong claims. I am going to chance Tim Easterby’s gelding. He is more exposed than some of these but has been in excellent form in the big handicaps this season and looks overpriced. He finished sixth of twenty-one at Doncaster last time , running on well after meeting trouble two furlongs from home. It was a similar story at Ripon. He won at this level up at Newcastle in June, beating Pocklington who has run very well three times since in Class 2 events. From a handicapping perspective , Fivethousandtoone has won off marks in the high 90’s and races here off 87. I think he is fairly treated and is a decent each way bet with extra places on offer.
15:35 Ayr – HAMMER THE HAMMER (16/1 generally)
It’s one of the trickiest puzzles of the flat season, but I’m giving it a go! Similar to last week, I am forgiving a horse his latest run. Hammer The Hammer went off favourite for the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood but could never feature, possibly thanks to the draw as the first three home all raced on a the other side of the track to Kevin Ryan’s colt. Before that, Hammer The Hammer had shown serious progression, winning a Southwell maiden against a rival who has since scored three times, following up with a dominant six-length victory at the same track, then a convincing four-and-a-half-length win at Chester. He improved again with a cracking second at Royal Ascot behind Adrestia, who has franked the form since. He is a strong traveller which should serve him well here and I think he can outrun his current odds. He looks a good each way bet with extra places.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
14:25 Ayr – FIVETHOUSANDTOONE (20/1 generally)
15:35 Ayr – HAMMER THE HAMMER (16/1 generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 8:45am Friday 19th September
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
