Hoping for better Ayr Gold Cup luck this year with Popmaster primed for big race

After last year's near-miss, I'm hoping to go one better in the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup this weekend with .

Great Ambassador won the race on the far side by a long way 12 months ago only to get nailed by Bielsa on the stands' rail.

Great Ambassador (nearside) is nailed by Bielsa in last year's Ayr Gold CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

As I said in last week's column, Great Ambassador isn't quite right at the moment and won't be heading back to Scotland but I expect Popmaster to run a big race on Saturday if he gets the luck you need in a contest like this.