Morning all,

After a thrilling head bobbing finish to the Ayr Gold Cup. The big racing action moves to Newmarket for the three day Cambridgeshire Meeting which begins on Thursday.

Could John Gosden hold the key to the winner of  Saturday's big race the Cambridgeshire Handicap?  Inside, I will explain why I think he does…

Irish Gamble Thwarted

First, lets to take a look back to an exciting Ayr Gold Cup.

It was a case of mixed emotions for favourite backers after Saturday's Ayr Gold Cup. A feeling of disappointment that the punt wasn’t landed. But also relief that they managed to collect on the race.

I was impressed with the turn of foot Son of Rest produced when sweeping to the front a furlong out. It wasn’t going to be a case of whether the favourite won but by how much. For favourite backer’s elation, turned to concern as Son Of Rest began to idle in the lead and Baron Bolt came out of the chasing pack to throw down a big challenge in the final 100yds. He probably headed the favourite, for a fraction, but there was just enough time for Son Of Rest to fight back.

After what seemed like an eternity, the result was announced. The photo finish showed that the two sprinters had dead heated for first place. Not a pixel could separate them although a stride after the line Baron Bolt looked to be ahead by a nostril. So, maybe favourite backers got the luck of the green after all.

A dead heat was the right result, as it would have been a shame if either horse had lost after that thrilling finish. That said, it’s clear that the Irish horse had hit the front too quick. However, there was little that his jockey could have done as the horse was going so well at the time.

Ayr Notebook Horse:

Now I’m not sure if a horse has that gone 26 runs since his last run is a good betting opportunity or not?

Rasheeq, trained by Tim Easterby, hasn’t won since bolting up in a Southwell maiden back in August 2015. However, the 5-year-old has put in plenty of good efforts in defeat. He shaped in the 5f handicap on the first day of the Western Meeting that he was capable of winning a race when all the cards fall right.

Held up from off the pace wasn’t really the place to be. But he was finishing his race of strongly to finish 4th, beaten 2 ¾ lengths. Doing the best of those coming from off the pace.

He's now 18lb lower than when beaten neck at York on soft ground back in May 2017 and 16lb lower than when beaten a nose at Haydock on heavy 12 months ago

He's dropped down to a tempting handicap mark but can he take advantage of it?

Cambridgeshire Handicap

On Saturday it’s the first leg of the Autumn Double. Which probably means more to punters of a certain age.

Over 30 runners heading down the Rowley Mile for the Cambridgeshire is still some sight. Last years winner was Dolphin Vista at 50/1. In the past 10-years just two winners have gone off at single digit odds.

Did You Know?

All the last ten winners where aged six or younger. Albeit that age group has provided 88% of the total runners.

That only one winner in the last ten years had won less than three times in their career.

That eight of the last ten winners where rated 95 to 104 (54% of total runners)

That nine of the last ten winners had finished in the top six on their last start (69% of the total runners)

Trainer John Gosden won this race in 2007 and 2008. However, he hasn’t had much luck in recent years. Hopefully that will change this year. He has a handful of possible runners entered this year with what look like chances.

The one I like most is Tricorn. The 4-year-old had been a shade disappointing since finishing 3rd in last years Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, but bounced back to form when returning from an 82-day break, to finish runner up in a competitive looking handicap at Chelmsford.

He won over the Rowley Mile back last season so, the track won’t hold any terrors for him. Granted soft ground would be a bit of a concern but he looks on a competitive mark and if he does run, the 25/1 available won't be around for long.

Monday Racing & Selection

Today punters can choose between Hamilton and Leicester on the flat. Newcastle and Kempton on the all-weather and over the Irish Sea, there’s flat action at Fairyhouse.

Last week’s selection, Approaching Menace, was well punted but finished well down the field. Onto today’s selection which runs at Leicester

Leicester

5:20 – Zafaranah, trained by Pam Sly, has been runner up on her last two starts at Doncaster and latterly at Newmarket. The filly returns from a 66-day break which if anything could be positive as she won off an even longer break back in March. The 4-year-old is a consistent sort who normally gives her running and should go close in this Class 5 fillies only handicap. The 11/2 available about her chance looks about right but I wouldn’t be wanting to take less than 5/1.

Zafaranah – 11/2 or bigger

Until next week.