Croisultan has outstanding claims in today’s Ayr Gold Cup (3.20) and looks terrific each-way value at 16/1.
The Irish raider loves soft ground, has a touch of class and a good draw in stall 7.
Liam McAteer’s gelding bounced back to form last weekend when keeping on well to finish just over a one length third to Bewitched in a Group 3 at the Curragh and is now 5lb below his last winning mark.
That win came on his favoured soft going at Fairyhouse where he stayed on well to beat Rock Jock by 3/4 of a length off a mark of 105.
After that he ran a blinder to be beaten just a neck by Bewitched in another Group 3 at the Curragh where he only got caught close home after blazing a trail.
His form lines with Charles O’Brien’s classy filly give him an outstanding chance from a handicapping perspective as she has proved herself a top class Group m sprinter and is rated 111.
Off just 100 today Croisultan must go close, and his handler is certainly bullish about his chances.
McAteer, who was narrowly denied in the 2005 renewal of this contest when Majestic Times was beaten two short-heads, said: “Ever since Majestic Times I’ve always wanted to go back for another crack. I think Croisultan is as good, if not better, than Majestic Times and I’m looking forward to it.
“He’s going well and he likes soft ground.”
The overnight rain that fell at Ayr is definitely in his favour, and with more showers forecast the going at Ayr is going to be very testing.
That will suit Croisultan ideally, and he must take all the beating.
With Hills paying 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5 he looks a cracking each-way bet at 16/1.
Recommended bet: 3pts each-way Croisultan (16/1 Hills – BOG, 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5)