Fingers crossed for Ayr

Having advised Khanjar at 20/1 for the Ayr Gold Cup in the York Ebor Update, it was encouraging to see William Haggas' improving three year old win comfortably at Haydock on Friday. Absence since finishing third in a valuable three year old handicap at Newmarket's July meeting, Jim Crowley's mount was all the rage for the six furlongs event at the Merseyside track and never get his supporters an anxious moment. The gelded son of Kodiac travelled strongly before being pushed clear to win by a length and a quarter. His rider feels he will be more at home in a stronger run race which he will certainly get north of the border later this month. Most bookmakers were quoting Khanjar at 10/1 for the six furlong cavalry charge. The five pounds penalty he picks up here gives him every chance of making the cut - that takes him to 9st 1lb (number 33 - the maximum field is 24).