Old Firm stars the big draw but Growl is the one up for the Cup

It was good to see a proper level of coverage at last for the Ayr Gold Cup draw. At 10am there was already a big press turnout, plus camera crews and radio interviewers.

They had all made sure they were on course an hour beforehand - and no wonder - the choice of stall position can be crucial in Scotland's richest Flat race.

But the presence of Rivellino and Johnny Barnes in the final field of 25 might have alerted us to the fact they were not actually here to discuss pace angles and ruminate on the fact the first four home last year were all drawn in single figures.