Pace & Draw:

A slow-to-even gallop is likely. No out-and-out front-runner is confirmed, though Glasses Up, Banana, or Rory The Cat might end up forcing it by default. In a race lacking in pace, those with tactical speed or forward-going tendencies from mid draws (stalls 3 to 6) are best placed.

There’s no discernible draw bias over this trip at Ayr, though the sharp nature of the track benefits prominent racers when the pace is moderate.

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Strongest Contenders:

Glasses Up – Proven & Favoured by Conditions (9/10)

• Form: Three wins at Ayr this season, including off 63 and 59.
• Conditions: All wins on good to firm ground; specialist at this track.
• Tactics: Usually mid-to-prominent; won’t be inconvenienced by slow gallop.
• Verdict: Loves Ayr, mark is only 2lb above latest win. Needs a pace but remains rock-solid and well drawn in 3.

Annandale – Proven & Stable in Form (8/10)

• Form: Has run to mid-60s RPRs on multiple occasions this year.
• Conditions: Effective over staying trips; handles Ayr and good ground.
• Connections: Jim Goldie has had winners with similar profiles; jockey booking notable.
• Verdict: Returns to calmer waters, best form is very competitive here. Consistent.

Billy Bathgate – Veteran in Good Form (7/10)

• Form: 2nd at Redcar and 3rd at Musselburgh recently; winner earlier this season.
• Tactics: Races off the pace, needs strong gallop.
• Verdict: Solid in this grade, recent form is sound, but better with a stronger pace.

Waystar – Interesting Irish Raider (7/10)

• Form: AW winner in March; 4th and 3rd in turf handicaps since.
• Trainer: McConnell often targets low-grade UK staying races.
• Verdict: Up in trip, not proven beyond 13f but stays on; watch market.

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Main Dangers:

Rory The Cat – Potential Rebounder (6/10)

• Form: Multiple poor runs, but has turf and hurdles form at Ayr.
• Tactics: Usually races prominently.
• Verdict: Talented on his day, but regressed markedly since 2024 wins. May bounce back dropped in trip/grade.

Aighear – Lightly Weighted & With Course Form (6/10)

• Form: Runner-up at Carlisle in May, largely below that since.
• Connections: Goldie-trained; 3lb claimer helps.
• Verdict: Looks a back-class proposition, risky but not ruled out at 46 mark.

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Interesting Outsiders:

Star Of Markinch (5/10)

• Longstanding maiden but has run well over 2m+.
• Faded late at Hamilton but ran okay at Redcar.
• Needs an even-to-strong gallop and others to underperform.

Max The Tiger (4/10)

• 3yo in his first proper staying handicap.
• Only placed once, stamina on pedigree but no encouragement in recent form.
• Would be a major shock, but the step up to this trip is interesting long-term.

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Runner Scores & Suitability:

• Glasses Up: 9/10 – Thrives at Ayr, well-handicapped, needs even pace.
• Annandale: 8/10 – Reliable, consistent, class dropper.
• Billy Bathgate: 7/10 – In-form but reliant on stronger tempo.
• Waystar: 7/10 – Unproven at trip but travels well and can stay.
• Rory The Cat: 6/10 – Fallen in weights, risk-reward type.
• Aighear: 6/10 – On winning mark, inconsistent.
• Star Of Markinch: 5/10 – Rarely wins but some place form in similar races.
• Max The Tiger: 4/10 – Big stamina question, no base to support.

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

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Each-Way Angles (8 runners):

• Waystar appeals as a potential each-way angle given travelling form and connections.
• Billy Bathgate should stay well and could nick a place again.

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Private Tissue Estimate:

• Glasses Up – 3/1
• Annandale – 4/1
• Billy Bathgate – 5/1
• Waystar – 13/2
• Aighear – 8/1
• Rory The Cat – 9/1
• Star Of Markinch – 14/1
• Max The Tiger – 25/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary:

This is a typical Ayr low-grade staying handicap, with many familiar types. Glasses Up is a 10-time Ayr winner and thrives in this setup. Annandale is ultra-consistent and returns to a winnable race after better efforts. Waystar and Billy Bathgate are credible place threats, especially if the pace turns even.

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Smart Play:

• Win Selection: Glasses Up – Specialist at the track, still on a winnable mark.
• Each-Way Saver: Waystar – Unexposed at this trip and trained for raids like this.