Whitwell-on-the-Hill owner David Brotherton, whose colours will be carried by hot favourite Astonished in Saturday's Ladbroke Ayr Gold, can enjoy a good omen tomorrow on the opening day of Ayr's Western Meeting.

Brotherton will be represented by Surprised in the Kidzplay Helps Ayrshire Hospice Showcase Handicap, and this half-brother to Astonished can take the honours.

Trained by Richard Fahey, Surprised has run well in defeat several times since winning at Pontefract earlier this season. His most recent effort was at Doncaster last week when he finished a good second to the in-form Glowing.

The Town Moor ground was fast, but tomorrow's easier conditions will suit Surprised better as he bids to get back on the winning trail under Jimmy Fortune.

Kieren Fallon, who rode Astonished to a runaway victory in last week's Tote Portland Handicap at Doncaster, has been claimed by Ian Balding to partner Grangeville on Saturday, which has left the way open for Willie Supple to ride Astonished in the Gold Cup.

Tomorrow at Ayr, Glory Quest looks likely to provide Fallon with a winner in the Tattersalls Maiden Auction Stakes.

Gay Kelleway's juvenile turned in a pleasing first display at York a fortnight ago when finishing strongly in third place behind the well-regarded Dashing Duke. Sure to have benefited from that experience, Glory Quest can step up on that performance tomorrow.

Loop The Loup can defy top-weight under Pat Eddery in the Royal Bank of Scotland Helps Ayrshire Hospice Handicap.

John Dunlop's Sussex Raider, has won three of his last five races and finished a creditable runner-up at Newmarket last time after winning at York in August.

The £17,000 Sun Life of Canada Harry Rosebery Stakes has pride of place at Ayr tomorrow, and the unbeaten Punctuate, trained by William Haggas, is fancied to complete a hat-trick of wins.

At Pontefract, Kala Sunrise makes plenty of appeal in the Weft Gate Classified Stakes.

Charles Smith's six-year-old finished a highly creditable fourth of 23 at York on his latest start, being beaten little more than half-a-length by winner Pension Fund.

A repeat of that performance tomorrow should see Kala Sunrise back on top. Michael Fenton has the mount.

Karameg gets my vote in the Pontefract Park Fillies' Handicap.

Trained by Peter Harris, whose Amalia won at Doncaster last Saturday, Karameg was a good third to Glowing at Nottingham on her latest start. Glowing has won again since then, at Doncaster.

With up-and-coming apprentice Lee Newman claiming a valuable 7lb off her back tomorrow, Karameg is napped to gain an overdue win.

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