GG Tipster Kevin O’Malley takes a look at the four races set to be shown live on ITV Racing from Ayr on their highlight day of the 2019 flat season and has a quartet of “Dark Horses” well worth keeping an eye on…
BYRON’S CHOICE (2.00 Ayr)
This Michael Dods trained 4yo first caught my eye on his career debut at Thirsk back in 2017 and he’s done well since then, particularly last season where he won three on the bounce, including a race here at Ayr. Things have been a little hit and miss in 2019 but, interestingly, this is his first run over a mile and I think he might just appreciate it. If he does, a handicap mark of 91 is very workable on the best of his form.
MAJOR VALENTINE (2.40 Ayr)
As a horse that has won his last three races, Major Valentine is hardly a “Dark” horse on form, but the real sticking point in that regard is his apparent dismissal in the market here, as the Chepstow specialist is available to back at enormous odds of 33/1 in quite a few places. Sure, this is not the Welsh venue and sure, he has been winning fairly small field Class 4 events. But his speed figures have been excellent and the 7yo has displayed a new level of assured quality to his game this season. He may find himself all at sea in a race like this, but at such big odds he has to be mentioned as a horse worthy of a degree of respect, given the hot form he’s been producing all season.
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AL RASMAH (3.15 Ayr)
Richard Fahey sends two unbeaten, once-raced 2yos for this Group 3 contest but Al Rasmah is the most intriguing of the pair and definitely the dark horse in this ten-runner field. This daughter of Iffraaj faced a stiff task on debut, up against lots of experienced rivals at a very quirky and demanding Chester track. But on her first ever visit to a racecourse, she handled things perfectly and went about her work in a highly professional manner, winning comfortably in the end. This is a big step up and a different set of conditions, but she is an interesting prospect for sure.
ARECIBO (3.50 Ayr)
How can I desert this perpetual dark horse in his hour of need? I have tipped or mentioned Arecibo on his last six outings and I still maintain he has what it takes to land a big one before the season is out. Evidently, time is catching up with him in terms of 2019 opportunities, but perhaps the Ayr Gold Cup is where he can put it all together. He ran another very solid race at Doncaster last week and should be right in the mix for places here with a clear run through the pack.
Dark Horse Selections at Ayr
Byrons Choice 2.00 Ayr
Major Valentine 2.40 Ayr
Al Rasmah 3.15 Ayr
Arecibo 3.50 Ayr
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