Fahey hoping Mr Lupton can defy top weight in Ayr

The return to handicap company may well see Mr Lupton in a much better light, says trainer Richard Fahey.

Richard Fahey’s hopes of recording a third Ayr Gold Cup success on Saturday will rest with Mr Lupton who must defy top weight to come out on top (Mr Lupton 25/1 – Antepost Outright).

The 53-year-old North Yorkshire handler, who has tasted victory in the race in 2006 and 2015, is looking for the son of Elnadim to return to his best after struggling for form since winning a Group Two outing at the Curragh on his seasonal return in May.

Mr Lupton has recorded two sixth places, a tenth and last place from nine runners at York last time out on August 24.

However, Fahey is hopeful that a first return to handicap company in over 12 months can give his four-year-old a spark to claim victory in the prestigious six-furlong race.

Dakota Gold being taken out of the running at the five-day confirmation stage means that Mr Lupton will now move to the head of the weights.

However, Fahey said: “I’d say Mr Lupton will be my only runner in the race this year. It has not been easy for him this season, because he has had to carry a Group Two penalty in most races.

“He has had a go at Group One company, but he is not a Group One horse. Let’s get him back into handicap company and see what happens.

“He is not going to be giving lumps of weight away. He will not be giving two stone away – it will be more likely 14 or 16lb – because it is condensed handicap.

“Hopefully he can run well back at this level. They will go a fast pace, and he loves coming off a fast pace.”

Ger Lyons’ Buffer Zone currently heads the betting for the Ayr Gold Cup at 7/1, ahead of the David O’Meara-trained Summerghand at 10/1.

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