'We've been planning to come here' - Easterby targets Bronze Cup success at Ayr

Field sizes have been a hot topic this year with the abundance of small-runner affairs but that trend has been bucked at Ayr, where each race has attracted more than ten runners, including a full field of 25 for the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup (3.45).

The six-furlong handicap, introduced in 2009, will provide punting clues as to any draw bias ahead of the more prestigious Gold and Silver Cups on Saturday's big-race card.

Tim Easterby tasted success in the 2019 running with Music Society, who is back for more after finishing down the field in the Silver Cup last year, and the trainer is optimistic about his chances.

"Music Society is in grand form and is very well," Easterby said. "We've been planning to come here for a while. He won this in 2019 and I'm happy with the draw in one, that should be fine."

Music Society finished down the field in the Silver Cup last yearCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Three-year-old Mattice and last year's third Danzan make up the team for Easterby, who added: "Mattice is in good form, the draw [two] is good for him too. Danzan was third last year and is in great form. He's drawn high [23] but we'll see how that works out tomorrow."

The juveniles take the spotlight first in the 5f Listed British EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes (2.35), which offers Bolt Action a chance to get his head in front for the first time since his impressive debut win.

A four-length winner over the reopposing New Definition at Leicester in May, the Roger Varian-trained two-year-old has placed twice at Listed level, including losing out by a neck to Shouldvebeenaring at Ripon last time out.

That Richard Hannon-trained two-year-old has been supplemented by his connections for the Group 2 Mill Reef at Newbury and Varian hopes his top-rated colt can progress.

"He's been progressive, he's in good form and his form would measure up well in this race," Varian said. "He seems versatile regarding trip. He ran very well at York and in the Windsor Castle over five furlongs.

"The horse that beat us at Ripon won the sales race at York in the style of a nice one and just about had our measure there. I think the slightly slower ground will help him as he likes to get his toe in.

Bolt Action looks to get his head in front for the first time since his debut winCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was also entered in France over six furlongs in a Group 3. We could've gone there but we've gone up to Ayr, he's top rated and we'll see how we go."

The fillies are next on show with an 18-runner field heading to post for the Listed Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies' Stakes (3.10), headed by Gale Force Maya, who produced a career best when storming clear in the Garrowby Stakes at York earlier this month.

Trainer Michael Dods won the inaugural running of this race in 2018 and made it clear this was going to be Gale Force Maya's next target. She is rated 5lb higher than her next highest-rated rival and looks set to go close.

Karl Burke is a dual winner of this fillies' sprint, in 2019 and 2021 and is well represented in this year's attempt with Guilded, Lullaby Bay and Illustrating his three runners in the race.

There's also an Irish challenge with the Jessica Harrington-trained Sablonne, while My Eyes Adore You goes for Fozzy Stack, who has tasted success at this meeting before.

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