These two old superstars are absolutely chucked in on their best form – let’s hope for one more round of fireworks

3 months ago 26

THEY have raced 150 times, won 27 races and are chucked in on their best form.

But some might think it crazy that old boys Rohaan and Summerghand could grab gold and silver in Scotland today… I’m not one of them.

If you are a regular punter there won’t be much you don’t know about ten-year-old SUMMERGHAND (2.25) and seven-year-old ROHAAN (3.35).

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What I think we can all say is they are two horses to celebrate.

And on a going day, of which there have clearly been plenty, they both can swoop late and fast with a devastating turn of pace.

Rohaan is expected to face twenty four rivals in the feature Ayr Gold Cup, live on ITV Racing.

Summerghand will be up against at least twenty two foes in the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup.

In racing terms neither is in any way a virgin. They have been here and got the t-shirt.

Rohaan faces a string of hot rivals like Richard Fahey’s Ramazan, the Great St Wilfird runner-up, Portland hero American Affair and Billyjoh, who ran so well at Glorious Goodwood from a horrible draw in the Stewards’ Cup.

Room Service and Lethal Levi are recent winners who will have support, while Jordan Electrics has been sparky all season, and bids for an awesome eighth success of the campaign.

A credit to Jim Goldie who is, of course, Scottish.

Mostabshir can’t be ignored either, and he once ran in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes! Unlike many of those against him, it’s been a while since Rohaan actually landed a prize for Dave Evans, as you have to go back to Ascot just under a year ago for his last victory.

However, that came off a mark of 102, and he was seventh in this race last year off 104.

Today, he can race off a mark of 96 and there was a definite sign of life in the warrior in a small field at Ascot last time.

Remember, this is a horse that in 2022 landed the Wokingham and was third in the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup to Minzaal.

If he’s up for it, Rohaan is chucked in. So I have to have a few quid on him each-way.

It’s impossible not to love Summerghand.

He first ran in the Ayr Gold Cup in 2018, finishing eleventh off a mark of 100. In 2019 he was fourth in the six furlong dash off 102, and in 2021 eighth off 112.

Then in 2022 he landed the prize rated 102, only to be last 12 months ago off 107.

Today, he runs off just 89, and he was an eye-catcher in a huge field at the Curragh last weekend.

The in-running comment makes interesting reading for that effort, namely: “Towards rear, headway over 1f out, still plenty to do inside final furlong, ran on well final 100 yards, nearest finish.”

He was beaten just over two lengths.

It’s probably wishful thinking to believe both Rohaan and Summerghand can relive their former glory days this afternoon. But what’s life about if you can’t be a dreamer?

I’ll be at Newbury today for Sky Sports Racing, and to be quite honest it’s a cracking card.

The World Trophy Stakes is a Group 3 over six furlongs and kicks things off.

Annaf is the clear form pick but ran terribly when last seen.

With a bit of juice in the ground the one for me each-way is RELIEF RALLY (1.30) who has good form at this track.

The filly was seen by some as ‘just a juvenile’, but returned this season with a fine fourth in the Fred Darling when not staying and was then second to Elite Status in the Carnarvon. She should be in the frame at the least.

WAXING GIBBOUS (2.05) looks interesting in the Autumn Cup despite being up in the weights for a cracking run at Haydock.

SHADOW OF LIGHT (3.15) might be in the one in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes for juveniles.

The Godolphin contender was probably on the wrong part of the track and had plenty to do when staying on into second behind Cool Hoof Luke in the Gimcrack with re-opposing Symbol Of Strength just behind and rallying.

I suspect Charlie Appleby’s contender is better than that form suggests and he has every chance here under William Buick.