Fragile Culturati given Ayr Gold Cup aim

Charlie Appleby has set his sights on aiming Culturati at next month's William Hill Ayr Gold Cup.

Having been forced to miss both the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood with the talented but fragile four-year-old, the Newmarket handler has now earmarked the valuable six-furlong prize on September 23 as the long-term target.

The son of Dubawi made a winning return to action after more than 18 months off with victory in a handicap at Newmarket in June.

Appleby said: "He had a setback before Ascot and I am just taking my time with him. I would have liked to have gone for the Stewards' Cup, but he will be an autumn horse.

"The Ayr Gold Cup is on the radar and we will potentially take a look at that. He looked good on his comeback at Newmarket. The form has worked out, he beat the winner of the Wokingham (Out Do).

"He is still a very well handicapped horse. If we can get him right before the Ayr Gold Cup he will be a player in that."