Handicappers' Corner: Ayr and Newbury under the spotlight

With 100+ runners on testing ground, the final day of Ayr's Western meeting was certainly one which tested punters mettle. But it was metal that was attracting most of the interest, with large fields for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Cups.

Like so many of the heritage handicaps, the quality of the Ayr Gold Cup was higher than ever, Chipchase Stakes winner Maarek going down valiantly in attempting to defy top weight with a BHA rating of 114. The burden proved too much, he could run only to a Timeform rating of 118 in finishing a creditable third.

Success went to Kevin Ryan for the second year running with Captain Ramius, who improved on his in-the-frame efforts in the Bunbury Cup and Great St Wilfrid, and has been awarded a Timeform rating of 119 for beating former winner Regal Parade by two and a half lengths. Such an effort was the third-best winning handicap performance this season, behind only Farhh's Thirsk Hunt Cup win and Mount Athos' York success.

The Silver Cup went to Mass Rally, who has been called a few names in the past, but the application of a hood in addition to blinkers have transformed him, and he responded well to edge ahead of Highland Colori in the final strides. He's now rated 110, losing the dreaded 'squiggle' from alongside his rating.

In terms of the best performance in relation to his handicap mark, that goes to Bronze Cup winner Jack Dexter, whose Timeform rating of 105p is 21lb higher than the BHA figure he defied (Captain Ramius +19, Mass Rally +16). A three-year-old still in his first season of racing, Jack Dexter looks the type to do well in plenty of the big-field sprint handicaps next term.

Away from Ayr, there was high quality action at Newbury where the Mill Reef took centre stage. Moohaajim had the best form coming into the race courtesy of his close fifth in the Prix Morny, and he enhanced his reputation further in overcoming trouble to beat Master Of War by a length and three quarters.

Historical standards for the Mill Reef give a range of 107-119 and prior-ratings standards suggest a figure in the mid-110s. Moohaajim was awarded a bare rating of 112, but taking into account the trouble he met, his master rating has been upgraded to 114p. He'll prove a much bigger threat to Reckless Abandon (116p) in the Middle Park than when they met last time. Moohaajim's new rating ranks him joint-third alongside Toronado in Timeform's current list of top 2-y-os.

Two Group 3 contests provided back up to the Mill Reef: the Arc Trial, which was contested by precisely no horses entered at Longchamp, was won by Black Spirit, the only horse ineligible for the main event, and he barely had to improve, rated 115 now, up 1lb.

The World Trophy proved more interesting with the up-and-comer Swiss Spirit just holding on from Kingsgate Native after the latter met trouble. Kingsgate Native remains rated 119$, a figure he gets from last year's Nunthorpe, whilst Swiss Spirit progresses to 116p.

The six-furlong nursery from Newbury's card looks like a race that will prove strong form. The first four finished clear, and the timefigure (race was only 0.22 seconds slower than the Mill Reef) backs up the view that is a race to take positively. After adjusting for age/difference at the weights/field size, the standard suggests rating Professor 99, but he has been awarded a figure of 104, and he, along with the second and third are likely to look well treated next time.

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!