Saturday 17 September 2011

Ayr Silver Cup Preview


Adrian Nicholls is looking forward to Tax Free making amends for an unlucky run at Doncaster in the William Hill Ayr Silver Cup.

The jockey felt the nine-year-old would have finished closer than his final position of eighth behind Nocturnal Affair but for suffering interference at a crucial stage of the Portland Handicap.

Nicholls said: "He ran a blinder in the Portland. I don't think I'd have won, but I definitely would have been in the placings. I got hampered when I was making my run, got stopped in my tracks and he came home really strong."

He added: "He ran a blinder in the Stewards' Cup. Second to Hoof It was a cracking run and he's an old legend. Whatever he does, he owes us nothing. I thought he was very unlucky in the Portland so if he can run like that again, he'd have a shout.

"He's probably the gamest horse we've got in training. If he gets into a battle and he's there at the furlong marker, it will take a good one to pass him."


The rider's trainer/father David Nicholls has three others in the consolation race - Nasri, Capone and Joseph Henry.

"Nasri's a very nice horse. It's tough he just missed the cut for the Gold Cup. He'd a have a good chance. Everything we send up here has a big shout. All you need is a bit of luck."

Mirza goes for Silver honours in good form, having won at Haydock last month and finished second to Gold Cup fancy Colonel Mark at Ffos Las on his latest start.

His trainer Rae Guest said: "He's in good form and plenty of rain would help him. Hopefully we are drawn well (in stall 22) and we expect a big run."