2012 sees 208 entries into the Ayr Gold Cup and William Hill have gone 14/1 the field in the very competitive Heritage Handicap.
Amongst the favourites are Duke Of Firenze (Sir Michael Stoute-trained Cheveley Park contender), local raider Hawkeyethenoo, Prodigality and Chester winner Van Ellis.
Our Jonathan, winner last year, is quoted at 20/1 while Gramercy is a 16/1 chance. Pepper Lane, who recently doubled-up in the William Hill Great St Wilfrid, is available at 16/1.
William Hill spokeswoman Lucy Rhodes said “There’s some real quality to this year’s William Hill Ayr Gold Cup entry with a number of in-form big-race winners receiving a spot at this initial stage. A lightly-raced Cheveley Park-owned contender is always of interest in a competitive handicap, Dr Marwan Koukash is back with his usual Ayr raiding party, while Hawkeyethenoo could raise the grandstand roof if becoming the first local for decades to bring the honours home”
William Hill Ayr Gold Cup: 14-1 Duke Of Firenze, Hawkeyethenoo, Prodigality, Van Ellis, 16-1 Fulbright, Gramercy, Pepper Lane, Picabo, 20-1 Alben Star, Ancient Cross, Dubawi Sound, El Viento, Face The Problem, Hamza, Jamesie, Lightning Cloud, Louis The Pious, Maarek, Mass Rally, Our Jonathan, Sholaan, Tax Free, The Cheka, Waffle, 25-1 An Saighdiur, Barnet Fair, Bertiewhittle, Bogart, Borderlescott, Cheviot, Colonel Mak, Doncaster Rover, Dungannon, Gatepost, Gordon Lord Byron, High Standing, Highland Colori, Imperial Guest, Jimmy Styles, Johannes, Kaldoun Kingdom, Lui Rei, Majestic Myles, Mirza, Miss Work Of Art, Morache Music, Move In Time, Pearl Ice, Pintura, 33-1 BAR (EW ¼ 1,2,3,4)