Genki in form to strike gold, says bullish Steve Drowne

Genki has a 'great chance' of following up his Stewards' Cup victory in the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday, according to his big-race jockey.

Steve Drowne, who partnered the Roger Charlton-trained gelding to victory at Goodwood last month, is unusually confident ahead of Scotland's richest race.

Drowne said: "He's gone up 7lb for his Stewards' Cup win but he's still got a great chance. He has had a good break and seems to be improving.

"I was a bit worried that he wouldn't handle coming down the hill at Goodwood, but he seemed to cope with it well, so the track at Ayr should suit him."

Genki, an 11-1 chance with sponsors William Hill but as short as 9-1 joint-second favourite behind Evens And Odds with Bet365 for the £150,000 contest, should also have favourable ground conditions. The going at Ayr is currently good to soft, although it is expected to dry out.

Drowne (above) added: "A lot depends on the draw but while most of Genki's best form is on soft, he goes on any ground. He is in tip-top form and he's really pleased me in his last couple of bits of work, so we're hopeful of a big run."

Sir Mark Prescott warned ante-post punters to hold fire if they are thinking of backing Prescription, who is as short as 14-1 with Coral for the six-furlong handicap.

"I don't think she'll get in the race," said the trainer. "But if she does, the ground will be in her favour and I'd like to think she'd have a nice chance."