Border Leads Gold Charge

Borderlescott tops the final field of 28 declared for Saturday's totesport.com Ayr Gold Cup.

Robin Bastiman's charge finished second to Fonthill Road in last year's renewal and will again lock horns with his 2006 conqueror at the Scottish venue.

Portland Handicap winner Fullandby will bid for a quick double, while the hat-trick seeking Indian Trail and consistent Beaver Patrol are other notables set to line up.

Along with Fonthill Road, Richard Fahey will also be represented by the well-fancied Knot In Wood, who has not been seen since taking third behind Zidane in the Stewards' Cup in August.

There were few surprises at the final declaration stage ? although improving youngsters King's Apostle and Genki failed to make the cut.

Connections of the final 28 were able to choose their starting stall once drawn from a hat.

Kevin Ryan's King Orchisios was the first name out and will break from gate three, while Knot In Wood and Irish raider Benwilt Breeze will also start from single-figure stalls in four and six respectively.

Fonthill Road won from the latter stall in 2006, and will bid to repeat the feat from a neighbouring box in seven this time.

Borderlescott will run against the stands rail from 28, while Indian Trail will also break from a high number in 23.

Jim Goldie has three chances spread across the track, with River Falcon (stall two), Orientor (10) and Dhaular Dhar (24) all representing the Glasgow handler.

'River Falcon will probably find trouble but if he gets luck in running from where he is, he ought to go well,' Goldie said.

'River Falcon has a huge chance but I think the stronger pace is stands side, as a few hold-up horses are drawn low. I'm sure somebody will have a go there though.

'Orientor was drawn 28 last year and was nearly put into the rails twice. He ended up breaking a tail bone last year so I didn't want to be drawn the same side.

'Horses have great memories and I think it'll probably be less congested on his side ? although it'll depend on how racing goes throughout the week.'

Goldie feels Dhaular Dhar should also go well from his stall, with Borderlescott sure to set a searching gallop on that side of the track.

'Dhaular Dhar is in 24 mainly because Borderlescott is over there and I thought he'd drag them along that side,' Goldie told Racing UK.

'I would think Borderlescott made the pace last year towards the middle and hit a slight brick wall. He probably won't hit it this year as he has a rail to run against.

'He should have a great chance this year but I hope we can just come and challenge him late.'

Following the draw, totesport have made Borderlescott the clear 7-1 favourite from 8s for the six-furlong sprint.

Spokesman Damian Walker said: 'Borderlescott was a 12-1 chance on Wednesday and is now down to 7-1 clear favourite.

'He almost made all in the Stewards' Cup, only to get caught by Zidane near the finish, and from his rails draw on Saturday he must have a chance of dominating those on the stands side.

'Dandy Nicholls will be delighted with stall 23 for Indian Trail as he should get a toe from Borderlescott (28) and Majestic Times (25).

'But Knot In Wood in stall four might not be drawn with the pace so we have knocked him out to 9-1 from 8-1.'

totesport.com Ayr Gold Cup, sponsors bet: 7-1 Borderlescott, 8-1 Indian Trail, 9-1 Knot In Wood, 14-1 Beaver Patrol, Blue Echo, Fullandby, Fonthill Road, 16-1 Pearly Wey, Obe Brave, 20-1 Benwilt Breeze, Partners In Jazz, 25-1 Advanced, Appalachian Trail, Buachaill Dona, Dream Theme, Grantley Adams, Majestic Times, Masta Plasta, Rising Shadow, River Falcon, Zomerlust, 33-1 Dhaular Dhar, Skhilling Spirit, 40-1 Mecca's Mate, Patavellian, Steenburg, Turnkey, 50-1 Orientor, 66-1 King Orchisios.

(C) PA Sport