All you need to know on day one of Ayr's big meeting

The build-up begins today to the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday, with day one of the meeting.

All three days were lost last year but, despite testing ground, there are no such problems this time. The feature is the Listed Doonside Cup (3.35), a race won last year by Saeed Bin Suroor who is back 12 months on with Dubai Horizon.

Yarmouth and Pontefract make up the rest of the afternoon action, while Clonmel (twilight) and Chelmsford take over later.

Going report

Ayr (first race at: 1.30)
Soft, heavy in places (GoingStick: 6.9 at 7.00am on Wednesday)

Yarmouth (1.50)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.6 at 7.00am on Thursday)

Pontefract (2.10)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 7.9 at 6.30am on Thursday)

Clonmel (3.50)
Good to firm, good in places

Chelmsford (5.45)
Standard

Market movers

5.10 Yarmouth - Noblemans Nest 7-2 (from 9-2)
4.55 Pontefract - Baritone 1-2 (from 4-6)
7.45 Chelmsford - Auxerre 3-10 (from 1-3)

What to back

The Doonside Cup features in Thursday's ten second tip.

What to watch

Check out the latest Newmarket gallops, featuring footage of Platform Nineteen and Qaroun.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs in Europa League action on Thursday.

We also preview the Champions League of Darts in our latest Postcast.

Final thought

There will be that always-intriguing spectacle of a draw ceremony for the Ayr Gold Cup later this morning. Besides a bit of educated guesswork, no one truly knows what they're doing, but that is what makes it such worthwhile viewing.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app