Crystal just edges battle of the Darks

Dark Command travelled ominously well in the first division of the 7f handicap at Ayr but probably hit the front too soon and was collared on the line by Dark Crystal after trading at 1.2 on Betfair.

Charava looked like winning the second division with a lot more to spare than the nose he had at the line. His failure to really go through with his effort after hitting the front almost allowed Niqnaaqpaadiwaaq (1.21) to snatch the spoils.

Three Duchesses, who trailed in a well-beaten last of six in the filles' maiden at Ayr, was somehow done at a low of 1.9.