Recent recruit Man Of The Night out to continue successful trend for O'Meara

Thursday: 4.45 Ayr
Virgin Bet Kilkerran Cup Handicap | 1m2f | 3yo+ | RTV

David O’Meara’s knack of improving seemingly exposed horses who enter his care makes Man Of The Night of immediate interest in the 1m2f Kilkerran Cup.

Always highly regarded by Richard Hannon, Man Of The Night failed to justify his trainer’s opinion by scoring only once for the yard in 13 starts since his debut novice victory at Newbury in July 2019.

The 106-rated Rhoscolyn is the most recent example of O’Meara’s prowess with such types and he has climbed 27lb in the handicap since leaving Charlie Hills last October.

Man Of The Night raced freely when fourth on his first start for the trainer in a warm race at Ripon last month, recording a Racing Post Rating of 94 on his first run after a gelding operation.

Danny Tudhope takes over from David Nolan and off a 1lb lower mark of 91, a better showing can be expected with blinkers reapplied.

Cockalorum never seems to run a bad race and this versatile type has placed in top handicaps behind Migration at Goodwood and York on ground ranging from heavy to good on his last two outings.

This contest lacks the competitiveness of those and considering he has registered three-figure RPRs on each of his last three runs, a career-high mark of 99 is certainly not beyond him.

Five course-and-distance winners line up with Platinumcard perhaps boasting the most compelling claims.

He looked one of the most likely winners in his bid for a four-timer in the 1m4f Silver Bell last time entering the home straight, but the tank emptied quite quickly when push came to shove.

Dropping to 1m2f can prompt a resurgence and he remains feasibly treated off 94, a 4lb lower mark than he raced off at Hamilton.

Three-year-olds have won the last two runnings and Fairmac, the sole representative from the Classic generation, also merits respect. His trainer Mark Johnston bagged this prize in 2014 with Fire Fighting, who had a similar profile going into the race.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Jim Goldie, trainer of Nicholas T and Tommy G
Nicholas T has top weight and is stepping back in trip, but it's a race he's run well in before and he loves the course, the ground should suit too. Tommy G almost has as many wins around Ayr but he's slightly out the handicap. Amie Waugh takes 5lbs off and that should help.

Roger Fell, trainer of Cockalorum
He's drawn well and I wouldn't mind a little rain as it wouldn't slow him down like it might others. We're really pleased with him and he's been running well all season.

John Quinn, trainer of First Impression
He's come on from his run at Hamilton and is a dual course winner at Ayr. There may be rain about and we hope it comes, but he's in good form and we're happy with the draw.

Mike Prince, director of operations at Middleham Park Racing, owners of Fairmac and Howzer Black
It's a competitive race but they're both in the form of their lives. Fairmac is drawn nicely in stall one. He put in a career best at Haydock on Sunday and seems to be thriving in his races, he deserves the chance to set his sights higher. Howzer Black is drawn much wider but is versatile with ground. It's a perfect race for him.
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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