3 minute read
Lethal Levi led home a one-two-three for trainer Karl Burke when an impressive winner of the Ayr Gold Cup.
A winner at Newbury last time, the consistent sprinter overcame stall twenty and a 4lb higher mark to land the valuable prize at what might seem generous odds of 20/1.
The habitual front-runner was always towards the fore under regular rider Clifford Lee and although stablemate Silkie Wilkie pestered him up front for much of the contest, Lethal Levi had plenty in reserve in the closing stages, pulling clear for what proved a commanding three-length triumph crossing the line.
Silkie Wilkie battled on bravely under pressure to grab the silver medal, with stablemate Korker running on strongly to finish back in third, ensuring a remarkable one-two-three for the Karl Burke team.
The market leader American Affair suffered trouble in running and was ultimately unable to land a blow.
"I was delighted when he won at Newbury the last day as his fractions over seven were very good, so I knew he'd stay well," Lee told ITV Racing.
"I went pretty quick, but I always felt I had a lot of horse underneath me.
"It's great riding for Mr Burke, he puts me on some very nice horses and this horse has won some very nice races.
"I'm delighted, this is my first Gold Cup, I hope there's many more to come."
Earlier on the card, Alfa Kellenic made it six wins on the bounce with a convincing success in the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup.
The Craig Lister-trainer three-year-old won a Newcastle maiden back in January, before scoring at Thirsk, twice at York and at today's venue prior to heading for the Ayr Silver Cup.
Sent off the 9/2 market leader from what was seemingly an unfavourable raw in stall 22, William Pyle's mount drifted left-handed once in the clear on the near side, but after being straightened out by the 5lb apprentice, she quickened up again to score in the style of a filly who had plenty more to give.
Speaking on ITV, Pyle said: "I could say a lot about this filly. I won three in a row on her but then I was signed off with an injury and she won two more without me.
"I can't thank the connections for putting me back on her. She'll be soon out of handicaps and there's a lot left in her.
"Not many win six on the bounce. We really liked her at two, but she had complications, so it's a testament to Craig and the team that they are now reaping the rewards."