Turn Fantasy Into Fact

Fantasy Believer is a value proposition to make it fifth-time lucky in the totesport Ayr Gold Cup.

John Quinn's admirable nine-year-old has racked up well over 100 starts during his career but despite some big-race successes, he has yet to strike gold at the Scottish venue. However, all the signs point to a revival in his form and the 16-1 certainly appeals.

Quinn's charge has come close to Ayr glory before and he was not disgraced beaten a length by Quito when fourth in a blanket finish on his first attempt in 2003.

Fantasy Believer then suffered further heartache when he was just edged into second by Funfair Wane a year later while he lost little in finishing fifth in 2005.

Admittedly his 14th place last term was a little below par, particularly given his comfortable win in the ultra-competitive Portland, but he had steadily been creeping up the handicap all year and probably paid the price.

He showed he was not finished with by winning a Newmarket Listed contest before the season was out but that victory only served to propel him to a career-high mark of 104.

That burden appeared to prove insurmountable earlier in the season but the handicapper has relented slightly now and there was much to like about his recent run behind the ante-post favourite Indian Trail.

Lining up in a decent contest at Sandown, Fantasy Believer was beaten just a length and three-quarters by the market leader over five furlongs.

The minimum trip does not really play to the strengths of Quinn's runner though, and he fairly flew in the final furlong when he hit top gear.

On the bare form, Fantasy Believer would have to find a fair bit of improvement and the fact he has not won in nearly a year further underlines that fact.

But he is horse that does seem to find his stride in the autumn and despite not winning for a while, he has turned in a string of consistent efforts in some tough contests.

Allotted 8st 7lb in the initial handicap for Ayr, Fantasy Believer is back on the kind of mark that saw him breeze to victory in the Portland and the old stager could well have another medal-winning display still in him.

(C) PA Sport