Ripon win propels Baccarat to Ayr

Connections of the Richard Fahey-trained four-year-old have had the prestigious six-furlong sprint handicap at Scotland’s Western Meeting on September 21 in mind for some time.

“He’ll go to Ayr. That’s been Richard’s long-term target all the way through the season,” said Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden.

“We felt he was capable of winning a nice race on the way and he did well in the St Wilfrid. He’s obviously gone up for it but, nevertheless, he will go there with a realistic chance.

“Ground would be important to him. We wouldn’t want slow ground, but ideally if everything goes according to plan, that’s where he goes.

“I don’t think there’s an alternative plan for him. We made our mind up we’d go to Ripon and see how we got on. We thought we’d give Doncaster (for the Portland) a miss and go straight to Ayr.”

Baccarat is a 12-1 chance after being allotted 9st 1lb.