It is hardly a surprise in this bizarre summer to see the word, heavy, in the going description for the John Smith's Ayr Gold Cup this afternoon, but its presence could mean that a sizeable number of the contestants will be found wanting in the last furlong.

Sprinters who can handle soft ground may not necessarily cope with the extreme surface, but there are plenty who look likely to get through it well enough today.

With a Scottish candidate at the top of the weights and another at the bottom, with two in between, we seem to have all angles covered for a home win.

It is a very difficult handicap to win, even if trainer Dandy Nicholls has managed it four times in the past eight years. He has six runners this time and any one could be backed with real hopes of winning. Horses who run well one year in this race often do so again and again, and on that basis Advanced, the 2007 winner, and Fonthill Road, the 2006 winner, have to be fancied.

The former in particular looks sure to go close again as he carries 3lb less than 12 months ago, and is in fine form again.

The Scottish quartet has plenty going for it, too. The four hail from the stables of Jim Goldie and Linda Perratt, and if either succeeds, it will indeed be a momentous day.

Goldie saddles Dhaular Dhar and bottom weight River Falcon. The former has been doing well and this stiff six furlongs will suit. Like River Falcon, he comes from off the pace. The eight-year-old appeals as an each-way bet.

Perratt's Appalachian Trail and Burnwynd Boy face tough tasks at the weights, although the former, who has run well in Group company, is capable of lugging his 9st 9lb proninently.

Tajneed, one of the Nicholls challengers, has been chosen by stable jockey Adrian and that alone must be a recommendation. Tajneed won the Great St Wilfrid Handicap in good to soft ground at Ripon, beating 10 of today's rivals.

The two who make most appeal, however, are Advanced and Valery Borzov. The Kevin Ryan-trained Advanced won from stall 22 last year but has been placed in No.3 this time and, as this appears to be his time of the year, he looks sure to run a big race again.

Another Nicholls candidate, Valery Borzov (3.30), who has a turn of speed that would have impressed his namesake, was among those behind Tajneed at Ripon, beaten a head. He is 1lb better off this time and the race is likely to be run to suit his finishing burst.

Advanced could be his closest threat, with River Falcon third.

Some very smart fillies will fight out the Group 3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes, among them Aspen Darlin, Danehill Destiny, Favourite Girl and Danidh Dubai. The last-named is about due a bit of good fortune, having been denied a run in two Group 3 races over this six-furlong trip at Ascot and, given a break, Danidh Dubai (2.20) can get her head in front this time.

Perks (4.40), favourite for the Cambridgeshire, ought to be tough to beat in the Listed Alphabet Supplies Doonside Cup, although Bushman could be a danger. Selections Ayr 2.20 Danidh Dubai, 3.30 Valery Borzov, 4.40 Perks Newbury 2.25 Gallagher, 3.10 Ask The Butler 3.45 Look Busy