Upcoming Ayr Gold Cup Offers Opportunities for Surprises - Could Any Contender Match Previous Longshot Victors in an Open Competition?
The Ayr Gold Cup, one of the most anticipated horse races in the UK, has seen its fair share of surprises and thrilling finishes over the years. This year, the race is shrouded in anticipation, with several contenders eyeing the coveted title.
Last year, Lethal Levi, trained by Karl Burke, stunned the racing world by winning the Ayr Gold Cup at odds of 20-1. His stablemates Silky Wilkie (66-1) and Korker (40-1) finished 2nd and 3rd respectively, making it a memorable day for the Burke stable. Lethal Levi, who had previous experience in Class 2 handicaps, made all at Newbury on his previous start, and put his 11th place in the previous year's Ayr Gold Cup firmly behind him when storming to victory.
In 2013, Highland Colori, under the guidance of rising star trainer, Kevin Ryan, and ridden by 18-year-old jockey Oisin Murphy, clinched the Ayr Gold Cup. Highland Colori was given a strong ride by Murphy, who angled across from stall 19 to the stands' rail and seized the lead a furlong from home. The victory was significant as it marked the start of a four-timer for Murphy.
Another surprising winner was Funfair Wane, trained by David Nicholls, who triumphed in the 2004 Ayr Gold Cup at odds of 33-1. Funfair Wane had not won or placed since May 2003 and had finished 25th in the Ayr Gold Cup the year prior to his win.
This year, Clive Cox's three-year-old Fast Track Harry, with odds of 25-1, could cause an upset. The colt, who has a history of beating the now 105-rated Almeraq on his debut on soft ground as a two-year-old, has had a mixed campaign this season. However, his reappearance win at Doncaster in May and his runner-up finish on his handicap debut at York have given him a strong foundation. Fast Track Harry's last two runs have ended in defeat at Ascot, but this flatter track should suit him better as all of his previous form was at York, Doncaster, and Newbury.
The 11-4 favourite, American Affair, who would go on to win the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, never landed a blow in the 2020 Ayr Gold Cup. In 2018, there was a dead-heat in the Ayr Gold Cup between 28-1 outsider Baron Bolt and favourite Son Of Rest. The duo were involved in a thrilling duel in the final furlong of the race before hitting the finish line together.
Angel Alexander, who had never won over six furlongs and had a mixed campaign prior to the race, managed to win the Ayr Gold Cup in 2019 at odds of 28-1. Richard Kingscote switched Angel Alexander down the centre in the final furlong, and the gelding powered home to finish ahead of Growl and Gulliver.
The search results do not provide specific information about a horse that might achieve a surprise victory this year. However, with the unpredictable nature of horse racing, one can never rule out a surprise winner. The 2022 Ayr Gold Cup promises to be another exciting race, with several contenders vying for the coveted title.
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