Carnageo and King's Pavilion lock horns again on likely quicker ground

Parkdean Resorts Glasgow Fair Handicap (Class 2) | 1m | 3yo+ | RUK

The two principals from last month's Carlisle Bell reoppose in another handicap of similar value and over the same trip, but on what is likely to be much quicker ground.

Carnageo, who was wearing blinkers for the first time, and King's Pavilion were both able to come from unpromising positions near the back of the field with strong runs towards the stands' side and fight out a good finish, which Carnageo got the better of by half a length.

The going was good to soft at Carlisle, and although officially good at Ayr on Sunday morning, the prospect of two drying days was a source of concern to the trainers of some runners, although great news for locals enjoying the traditional Glasgow Fair holiday that this race marks, which dates back to the 12th century.

William Haggas took Haydock winner Zwayyan out of the race on Sunday morning, while Roger Varian expressed reservations about running easy Nottingham winner Zabeel Prince, and Instant Attraction's trainer Jedd O'Keefe admitted he would be monitoring conditions closely.

While any such defections would be unfortunate, this will remain very competitive.

Three-year-olds in profit

Easy Doncaster winner Century Dream is the only three-year-old in the line-up. Get Knotted was a 9-1 winner in identical circumstances two years ago, but the four others from that age group to contest this race in the last three years have all been unplaced.

What they say

Mike Smith, trainer of Sophie P
I think she's entitled to head the handicap, and although it's plenty of weight for a filly she's big enough to carry it. She's possibly better over a bit further, but having said that she's won over seven furlongs. She's in good order, and PJ McDonald knows her well.

Iain Jardine, trainer of Hibou
He's in the form of his life. It was a cracking performance last time at Hamilton and the form has already been franked by Masham Star. That was on soft ground, and he wouldn't want it firm, but good ground would be fine.

Jim Goldie, trainer of Nicholas T and Testa Rossa
It looks a very tasty handicap but at least we have home advantage. Nicholas T didn't handle the track on the ground at Hamilton last time but before that was very much on an upward curve, so he should have a chance. If it carries on drying out, the ground will be perfect for Testa Rossa, and he ran a blinder last time.

Jedd O'Keeffe, trainer of Instant Attraction
We're monitoring the weather forecast as we wouldn't want it to tighten up too much, but if he does run he'll be ridden a bit more conservatively as he's been disappointing the last couple of times.

James Bethell, trainer of Truth Or Dare
He ran a very good race at York. It's always a bore when you're put up 3lb for finishing second, but Adam McNamara is taking off 3lb and he rode him well at Redcar. He didn't like soft ground at Catterick but anything else ought to be fine.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Carnageo
He's got a good draw and is coming off the back of a good win, but any rain would help. They went a million miles an hour at Carlisle and he came from the back of the field. If they don't go so quick we'll be going forward as he gets the trip well.