Pace Angles:
No natural front-runner, though Cisco Disco and We Still Believe have made running or raced handily before. Expect a modest tempo with the risk of a muddling gallop. Tactical positioning will be key.

Draw Angles:
At Ayr over 1m2f on good ground, the draw is generally neutral. Horses that can get into rhythm early tend to fare better; midfield positions with cover likely to be optimal today.

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Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders

Sophiesticate – Proven
Long-time Ayr regular with a strong record here, including three wins over this trip. Was runner-up to Cisco Disco last time despite racing keenly and making an early move. Returns quickly, on a very winnable mark (8lb below last winning rating), and gets back Paul Mulrennan. Stays the trip well and handles all ground. Repeat of latest effort puts her bang there.

Cisco Disco – Resurgent
Back to winning ways last time, staying on strongly under a well-timed ride. That win came off a career-low mark, and he is only up 4lb today. However, his profile suggests he rarely strings wins together. The quick return is a question, but he’s undeniably well treated and in form.

Zebra Star – Progressive Profile in This Grade
Winner two starts back and excuses last time when racing keenly. Returns to her favoured C&D and has gone well in similar setups this summer. Potential to run well again if settling better; seems to go best when covered up and delivered late.

We Still Believe – Inconsistent but Capable
Well-handicapped on old form and had run with promise two starts ago over a mile. Doesn’t always finish off his races but has place claims if getting cover and delivered late.

Galician Girl – Interesting Outsider
Irish raider for John McConnell who has shaped with more promise than results suggest. Ran on well late at Leopardstown and bred for this trip. Could be the late closer if pace collapses.

Gonnae No Dae That – Potential Improver
Lightly raced 3-y-o who has shown glimmers of ability. Up in trip now, which should help, and gets Tudhope in the saddle. Needs to improve but the new distance could unlock more.

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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

• Sophiesticate: 8/10 – Well-suited to the track and trip; solid recent form and nicely weighted.
• Cisco Disco: 7.5/10 – Back in form, but historically inconsistent after wins.
• Zebra Star: 7.5/10 – Suited by C&D and potentially still improving.
• Galician Girl: 6.5/10 – More interesting than form suggests; lurks on a handy mark.
• We Still Believe: 6.5/10 – Capable on his day but unreliable.
• Gonnae No Dae That: 6/10 – Lightly raced; needs improvement but could step up.
• Al others: ≤5/10 – Form or suitability concerns dominate.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.

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Each-Way Angles (8 runners)

• Zebra Star and Galician Girl present interesting each-way options at likely bigger prices.

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Private Tissue Estimate

• Sophiesticate – 3/1
• Cisco Disco – 7/2
• Zebra Star – 9/2
• Galician Girl – 7/1
• We Still Believe – 8/1
• Gonnae No Dae That – 10/1
• Others – 16/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This is a winnable Class 6 handicap with exposed types and a few potential improvers. Sophiesticate is well suited by the conditions, fit from recent runs, and drops into ideal company. Zebra Star and Galician Girl are viable each-way players if there’s a late collapse.

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Smart Play

Win Selection: Sophiesticate – strong recent run, proven at the track, and back on a good mark.
Each-Way Saver: Zebra Star – consistent in this grade, good record at Ayr.