Who To Follow On Gold Cup Day At Ayr - 18/09/21

Juan Elcano returned from wind surgery a different proposition at the start of the summer, running on impressively to land the listed Wolferton Stakes.

The son of Frankel subsequently stepped up to a Group 2 following that run and again impressed by finishing a head 2nd behind Bangkok and ahead of Mohaafeth.

He was outclassed in Group 1 company last time out in the Juddmonte however now takes a big drop in grade back down into listed company to be competitive here.

Looks to have leading form claims in this field and is likely to be too classy for the majority of his rivals.

Kevin Ryan looks to hold all the aces heading into Gold Cup day at Ayr on Saturday.

The trainer is in good form of late with an 18% strike rate across the last 14 days whilst operating at a 20% strike rate with horses who make the trip up to Ayr this season.

He has strong claims throughout the card with King Of York, Juan Elcano, Magical Spirit and Hala Hala Athmani (in race order) just a few names which look set for big races.

Should all go to plan for Ryan, he may just find himself with multiple winners on the day.

Going hand in hand with Kevin Ryan, his first string jockey Kevin Stott will naturally follow suit should the trainers big day out go to plan.

Stott is operating at a respectable 17% strike rate across the last 14 days and has an 18% strike rate when teaming up with Ryan this season.

Stott, formerly on the books of Tottenham Hotspur, has the privilege of all Ryan's best rides on Saturday and should all go to plan for the combo, they have a high likelihood of walking away with a handful of winners on the day.