Expert analysis and trainer quotes for a competitive Bronze Cup

QTS Ayr Bronze Cup Handicap(Class 2) | 3yo+ | 6f | RTV

Lightly raced three-year-olds are frequently the first port of call in such a competitive race, especially given the Bronze Cup's role as the second consolation heat for a main prize which is notoriously difficult to get into for such horses.

In the relatively short history of the race, Lucky Lucky Man and Jack Dexter both struck as three-year-olds, while another four from the Classic generation finished in the frame.

Bookmakers have taken no chances with either the Nigel Tinkler-trained Abstemious or Alben Spirit, who has the added attraction of being trained by Richard Fahey, a three-time winner of this race.

Alben Spirit arrives here in search of a three-timer and is in stall 18 of 25, while other high numbers towards the stands' rail prominent in the betting are Roundhay Park (21) and Highly Sprung (23).

On good ground Highly Sprung finished second in this race 12 months ago behind Music Society, who also returns for another crack. Last year the action all unfolded towards the far side rail and the gambled-on three-year-old Pendleton could only manage fifth despite thrashing the opposition on his side of the course.

Music Society's stablemate Flying Pursuit will make a fifth appearance at Ayr's Western Meeting in the race and was third in the Gold Cup back in 2018.

Flying Pursuit at Ayr's Western Meeting

2019 5th in Ayr Silver Cup
2018 3rd in Ayr Gold Cup
2016 9th in Ayr Silver Cup
2015 2nd in nursery

Call Me Ginger is one of three horses in the line up officially well in at the weights for recent efforts, alongside Roundhay Park and He'Zanarab.

Carrying the Grand National-winning colours of Douglas Pryde and Jim Fyffe, punters have a dilemma in assessing He'Zenarab's recent form.

On two starts since joining Nigel Tinkler from Jim Goldie, he has been beaten a nose at Beverley before finishing tailed off last time at Thirsk.

Flying Pursuit seems to reserve his best for Ayr's Western Meeting each SeptemberCredit: Daniel Smith

What They Say

Les Eyre, trainer of Highly Sprung and Queen Of Kalahari
I think Highly Sprung has got a hell of a chance. He got a terrible run in the Great St Wilfrid and before that at Goodwood he was arguably an unlucky loser. He's in great nick. We’re very happy with them both. Queen Of Kalahari ran third at York on good ground, which I wouldn’t have thought would suit her. She’s 2lb wrong from the time she was entered so I’ve put on Gavin Ashton, who claims 7lb and rode a winner for us at Beverley on Wednesday. That ought to put her bang there. They work together and you couldn’t split them.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Flying Pursuit and Music Society
Flying Pursuit likes Ayr. He seems in good form and the ground might have been a bit quick for him at Doncaster last time. Music Society ran well at Ripon last time and is in really good order. It’s still softish ground and it will depend on the draw and where you want to be.

Michael Dods, trainer of John Kirkup
The biggest problem is that he needs it bottomless. When he won up there last time he loved the ground and the meeting was abandoned two races later. The softer the better for him but he’s in great form. It’s a very competitive race and he does like the track so hopefully he’ll put up a good performance.

Karl Burke, trainer of Never In Paris
She’s got plenty of ability and she deserves her chance in a race like this. She’s in good form at the moment. She has been a little bit in and out in her form but she ran well on the track when we sent her up to Ayr earlier in the season and I think she can run a big race.

John Quinn, trainer of Captain Jameson and Melody King
Both of them have chances and won't mind the ease in the ground. Good to soft will be just fine.

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