The next Starman? Ed Walker takes familiar route with improving Great Ambassador

Biowavego Garrowby Stakes (Listed) | 6f | 3yo+ | RTV

This is where it all started for Starman and Ed Walker hopes he may be welcoming back another potentially high-class sprinter 12 months on.

The future Group 1 winner announced himself as something out of the ordinary with a fine victory in the Garrowby Stakes last year, moving up to Listed company and readily dismissing the smart Dakota Gold.

Now stablemate Great Ambassador, who heads the betting for the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday week, makes a similar move up in class to take on proven Group 3 winner Tabdeed.

The prospect of a firm surface has encouraged an earlier than expected step out of handicaps for last month's Newmarket winner Great Ambassador, who was a close third from an unfavoured draw in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood – where he was just three-quarters of a length behind runner-up Gulliver.

"He’s favourite for the Ayr Gold Cup and I'd prefer to go to Scotland as the prize-money is huge but I'm worried about the changing forecast and the danger of soft ground later in September," Walker said.

"He's slightly wrong at the weights with Tabdeed and Gulliver in this Listed race but it could be a good spot for him with the ground being quick.

"It was good to see him land his first turf win of the year at Newmarket last time and he’s in top form."

Tabdeed won the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury last season and finished third in the Group 3 event in July.

Tabdeed (left) denies The Tin Man by half a length in the Hackwood Stakes at NewburyCredit: Bill Selwyn

He was second in this grade at Newmarket just eight days ago and trainer Owen Burrows said: "He only ran last Saturday and he ran well enough, it was a slightly funny race but he's come out of it fine and this has cut up a fair bit.

"He's not getting any younger and Ed Walker's horse looks as though he's an improver. But Tabdeed is back on a more conventional track and we're hopeful."

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horse racing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.