Co-favourites for Ayr Gold Cup with Gordon Lord Byron out

There are now four 14/1 co-favourites to win the Ayr Gold, after trainer Tom Hogan decided that the previous market leader Gordon Lord Byron was almost certain not to run.

Gordon Lord Byron ran a substantial career best to finish second in the Haydock Sprint Cup and as a result shortened to the head of the Ayr betting.

However, with little gap between the two race, Hogan feels that the Ayr contest will come too soon for his runner and so he may take up future engagements at Newmarket or Tipperary next month instead.

The result is that Duke Of Firenze, Hamza, Hawkeyethenoo and Imperial Guest now share favouritism, but this may not be good news for their chances.

Coastal Bluff was the last favourite to triumph back in 1996, while only four have even managed to place in the last 11 years.

The 6f sprint does not take place until September 22nd and so connections of these runners may be hoping that punters avoid backing them in the build up.

In fact, Our Jonathan’s victory at 11/1 last year was the shortest-priced winner since 2001, with horses between 14/1 and 20/1 typically faring best.

Although the final field is far from confirmed, the early indications point to a strong run from Dubawi Sound at 16/1.

Not only is his current price ideal in terms of trends of former winners, but he fits many other characteristics too.

Four-year-olds have held the upper hand mainly in the Ayr Gold Cup in the past decade, while a weight of 9-0 also looks ideal.

But it is the area of official rating that may provide the biggest clue in finding the winner, with nine of the last 11 being between 90 and 100.

Dubawi Sound is right at the top of this band and Ladbrokes are offering the best market price on a victory in the Ayr Gold Cup.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing