Soft ground and a stiff finish at Ayr will place an emphasis on stamina and jumping fluency, and while the market has latched onto Walk On Quest, there’s a case to be made for a couple of runners at bigger prices who look underestimated.

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Walk On Quest (7/4) – The Right Favourite but Vulnerable at the Price?

Lucinda Russell’s Walk On Quest is in flying form, having landed back-to-back victories in similar conditions. He’s a strong traveller who jumps well and races prominently, which is often a positive at Ayr. However, he’s gone up 8lb for those wins, and while Alan Doyle’s 5lb claim helps, this is a tougher contest with more depth. He remains the most solid option, but at short odds, there’s little value in siding with him outright.

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Grand Voyage (5/1) – Underestimated by the Market?

One that could be overpriced is Grand Voyage, who ran a career-best when second at Musselburgh last time over a similar trip. That was a sharper track than ideal, and a return to a stiffer course like Ayr should suit much better. Stuart Coltherd’s runner stays this trip well and is on a mark he’s capable of winning from. He should race prominently, which is another positive at this track. At 5/1, he looks the strongest value bet in the race.

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As Tears Go By (12/1) – The Sleeper in the Market?

For those looking for a bigger price option, As Tears Go By is interesting at 12/1. He’s been knocking on the door, placing in his last two runs, and while he’s not the easiest to win with, Ayr’s stiff track and soft ground could help him pick up late if the race falls apart. He’s been hitting the frame in similar contests, and while he lacks tactical speed, he’ll stay on when others start to tire.

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Race Dynamics & Pace Analysis

• Likely Pace: Walk On Quest, Artic Row, and Grand Voyage could press the pace, making this a well-run contest.
• Track Suitability: Ayr’s long straight and testing finish can catch out weaker stayers—horses who need a stiff stamina test (Grand Voyage, As Tears Go By) could benefit if the pace is strong.

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Verdict & Betting Approach

✅ Best Value Bet – Grand Voyage (5/1) – Well-handicapped, strong at the trip, and could be underestimated by the market.
✅ Solid Contender – Walk On Quest (7/4) – Hard to knock, but price is short given the opposition.
✅ Market Sleeper – As Tears Go By (12/1) – Consistent placer, could nick a place late on if it turns into a stamina test.

While Walk On Quest is the most solid option, Grand Voyage represents the strongest betting value given his form, track suitability, and racing style. As Tears Go By is an interesting outsider for each-way backers.