Pace & Draw Angles:
An even pace is likely, with several pressing types but no habitual front-runner. Highland Olly (drawn 2) and Dwindling Funds (8) could be handy early, while Ravishing Beauty (3) and Runninsonofagun (7) should be well placed. Low to middle draws are typically advantageous over the Ayr mile, especially on quick ground.
Strongest Contenders:
Ravishing Beauty – Proven & Progressive
Back-to-back wins at Pontefract and Nottingham mark her out as a filly on the up. She’s reacted well to cheekpieces and seems best on fast ground. Her most recent win at a higher grade, albeit narrowly, suggests she has more to offer off 65. Drawn well and retains Jack Garritty. Respected.
Dwindling Funds – Proven & In-Form
Jim Goldie’s 4yo is thriving now that he’s found his trip. Two wins followed by a solid third last time, and the form of his win on 2 August has worked out. Suited by a strong mile, handles the track well, and carries weight effectively. Paul Mulrennan retains the ride — clear chance.
Highland Olly – Capable & Suited by Conditions
Won over this trip at Nottingham in May, then caught the eye in stronger races. Often races prominently, which suits Ayr’s configuration. Mark is workable based on previous RPRs in the 70s and may get a tactical advantage near the front from stall 2.
Main Dangers:
Super Hit – Capable but Needs Bounce-Back
Scored off 66 in April and has been running in stronger races since. His mark is now back in range, and this drop in grade could help. However, he hasn’t found much off the bridle lately, and others are more solid. Still, cheekpieces off again and fast ground help.
Runninsonofagun – Promising 3yo
Caught the eye last time when second at Carlisle, showing stamina and tenacity. That was his best yet, and the consistent RPRs suggest he’s competitive off 65. Lightly raced, from an improving yard, and looks well treated if progressing again.
Pinball Wizard – Capable Irish Raider
Has decent AW form and shaped respectably on turf in Ireland recently. Ran well in a better race at Gowran in May and was a winner at Wolverhampton last year. Daniel Tudhope booked, and the yard has sent competitive types across before.
Interesting Outsiders:
Golden Valour – Regressive but Not Without Hope
Veteran who has hit the frame a few times this summer. Won off this mark last year. Handles track, ground, and trip, but will need to be held up and delivered late. Stall 1 helps with cover.
On The Bubble – Unproven but Improving Visor Angle
Put together two improved efforts in a visor recently, including staying on third over this trip at Ayr. Still lightly raced and well-handicapped. Not dismissed if visor continues to help.
Runner Scores and Suitability:
- Ravishing Beauty: 8/10 – In form, improving, ideal trip and ground.
- Dwindling Funds: 8/10 – In excellent nick, well suited by mile at Ayr.
- Highland Olly: 7/10 – Effective prominent racer, well drawn.
- Runninsonofagun: 7/10 – Promising 3yo with more to come.
- Super Hit: 6.5/10 – Needs to bounce back but workable mark.
- Pinball Wizard: 6.5/10 – Irish form solid; well-handicapped.
- Golden Valour: 6/10 – Veteran, limited upside but not out of it.
- On The Bubble: 6/10 – Visor may have unlocked improvement.
- Trais Fluors: 5/10 – Old-timer, hard to fancy on current form.
- Golden Valour: 5/10 – Honest but unlikely to win.
- Others: 4-5/10 – Largely exposed or out of form.
Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form milers returning quickly; they can be hot.
Each-Way Angles (12 runners):
- Runninsonofagun has strong place claims as a 3yo still improving.
- Highland Olly is a tactical threat if allowed a soft lead.
- Pinball Wizard could be underestimated with Tudhope up.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Ravishing Beauty – 3/1
- Dwindling Funds – 7/2
- Runninsonofagun – 5/1
- Highland Olly – 13/2
- Super Hit – 8/1
- Pinball Wizard – 9/1
- Golden Valour – 12/1
- On The Bubble – 14/1
- Others – 16/1+
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary:
This looks like a well-contested 0-65 mile handicap with multiple in-form runners. Ravishing Beauty brings clear momentum and tactical versatility, while Dwindling Funds has found his level and is thriving for Jim Goldie. Both look solid win options. Runninsonofagun represents the progressive 3yo angle and must be respected.
Smart Play:
- Win Selection: Ravishing Beauty – improving filly, ground ideal, still ahead of the handicapper.
- Each-Way Saver: Runninsonofagun – solid RPRs, tactical scope, and scope for further progress.
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