Paul Mulrennan: Barefoot Angel could be underestimated at Ayr

I jumped straight in the car for the journey north and west to Ayr after a late finish at Newcastle, arriving in the early hours of Friday ahead of a busy weekend. As is tradition, the racing communities of Yorkshire, the North and Scotland eagerly anticipate Ayr Gold Cup weekend.

Friday’s action, particularly the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup, will offer a greater insight into the draw and any potential bias. We haven’t had such large fields at Ayr so far this year, so we’re all a little bit in the unknown. I’m drawn high (stands’ side) in both the Silver and Gold Cup.

Jim Goldie’s warrior Euchen Glen tackles the Listed Virgin Bet Doonside Cup (1.55pm). He’s contested this race the last two years, finishing runner-up to Maydanny twelve months ago. Obviously, he’s coming right back in trip – has been racing over 1m6f - but the ground should be perfect, and he always gives his best. It’s fair to say that he hasn’t had his ground all year, so the juice at Ayr will suit.

Jump The Gun contests the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup (2.30pm). Iain Jardine’s five-year-old won well over 7f here two starts back, yet nothing went right for him next time in a competitive race at Ascot. He’s shown a lot of speed in his races, he’s keen with his effort, so I’d imagine that a truly-run race over a stiff six furlongs will be perfect.

I’ve had plenty of luck in the Group 3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes (3.05pm) over the years, riding the winner in 2012 (Melody of Love) and 2016 (Delectation Girl), and I think that Barefoot Angel can run a big race. She was a gutsy winner at Carlisle, she’s put in two really solid runs, and is improving all the time.

Swingalong, who beat Barefoot Angel at Ripon and has related form with the favourite Queen Me, is rated 107 after her Lowther Stakes win. Richard Fahey’s filly deserves to take her chance in this company and I’m looking forward to taking the ride.

Sir Dancealot is my mount in the feature Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup (3.40pm). He finished last of eleven at Goodwood latest, but he wasn’t beaten all that far there and the form has worked out well with I’m A Gambler and Safe Voyage since filling the first two places in the ‘Sovereign Path’ at Leopardstown. He’s got the back class as a dual winner of the Lennox Stakes (2018 and 2019), so I feel that he’s capable of outrunning his odds.

Abduction (4.45pm) has only recently joined Jim Goldie from Grant Tuer, so I don’t know a great deal about him. He was a winner at Catterick (7f) in July and sits 4lb higher in the weights. It’s a learning curve for everyone at this stage.

Wor Willie (5.20pm) has improved throughout the season, rising a combined total of 16lb in the weights. He was a game winner at Pontefract but wouldn’t want the ground too soft [taken out on soft at Thirsk recently]. He’s run well at Ayr in the past, so hopefully he’ll cope with the drying conditions. He’s a smashing horse.

The Queen was passionate about racing, in fact the sport was one of her biggest passions. She was a great woman and she’s going to be missed.

I was lucky enough to don the Royal silks on one occasion, finishing second on a Michael Bell-trained runner at Wetherby. As a professional jockey you crave to be associated with some of the most famous silks in the sport, and there isn’t much better than riding for Her Majesty The Queen. May she Rest in Peace.