13:40 Ayr

Thursday 9 October 2025

All13:4014:1514:5015:2515:5516:3017:05

Absolut Vodka Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 2m 21.37s

(6)

Pol Roger^p⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Rhys Elliott⁽³⁾| T: M Dods| OR: 75| CD

7/1

Dual course and distance winner who has hit form with two runner-up finishes over 8f at this track. Finished second of 7 in handicap at Ayr (9/1) 9 days ago, confirming return to best form when edged out late by in-form rival. Can go one better before much longer.

Form: 862622

(7)

Tafsir^p¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Lauren Young⁽⁵⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 75| C

6/1

Has not won for 15 races but two runner-up finishes in last 4 handicap starts. Second of 6 in handicap at Hamilton (7/2) 17 days ago, slowly into stride but edged ahead 1f out before being caught in final strides. Usually better suited to further than today's 10f trip.

Form: 352932

(8)

Cisco Disco⁹^{(ex 4)}

Age: 7| Weight: 9-13| J: O McSweeney| T: R M Smith| OR: 68| CD

5/2

In great form with three wins at Ayr in last 7 weeks, won a 7-runner handicap over course and distance (9/4) 9 days ago despite carrying head high. Has shown temperamental tendencies but clearly effective at this venue.

Form: 451511

(4)

Tee Aitch Aye¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Mohammed Tabti⁽³⁾| T: I Jardine| OR: 69

2/1

Won a 7-runner handicap at Hamilton Park (7/2) 18 days ago, making good headway before all out to hold on by a head. Isn't an obvious type to follow up on that success.

Form: 364851

(1)

Idyllic²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Paula Muir| T: W Storey| OR: 65| D

25/1

Won at Thirsk (5/1) in July but last of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (25/1) 28 days ago, rider reporting something amiss.

Form: 104147

(3)

Star Cast⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jake Dickson⁽⁷⁾| T: G Tutty| OR: 65

9/1

Ran best race when fourth of 8 at Newcastle (50/1) 5 days ago, tiring in the final furlong. Drop back in trip could suit.

Form: 673-844

(2)

Sophiesticate⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Amie Waugh| T: J S Goldie| OR: 61| CD

11/1

Won at Musselburgh 44 days ago then finished third of 7 in handicap at this C&D (12/1) 9 days ago, racing more aggressively than usual which left her short for the finish. Should be competitive again at a track where she's previously won.

Form: 221583

(5)

Cascade Hall¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 8-13| J: William Pyle| T: J S Goldie| OR: 58

28/1

Showed promise when finishing second of 5 at Musselburgh two months ago but shaped as if amiss when fifth of 6 in handicap at Hamilton (5/1) 18 days ago, eased off in the closing stages. Needs to bounce back. Now without a win in 17 races.

Form: 343205

Forecasts

Tee Aitch Aye (2/1), Cisco Disco (5/2), Tafsir (6/1), Pol Roger (7/1), Star Cast (9/1), Sophiesticate (11/1), Idyllic (25/1), Cascade Hall (28/1)

POL ROGER has hit top form with two runner-up finishes at Ayr and now returns to the 10f trip where he's previously secured course victories. Narrowly beaten 9 days ago, he can go one better back at his optimum distance. Tafsir has been knocking on the door and remains consistent, though may prefer further. Cisco Disco completes the trio having thrived here with three wins at this venue in just 7 weeks.